Theoretical starting point
The article on which the film is based analyses how boundaries between religion and secularism are constructed and maintained in contemporary Sweden. The study takes its starting point in feminist theory and critical perspectives on secularism, with a focus on power relations and norms.
”It was valuable to work with my interview material in relation to Mia's analysis of the public debate on conversion attempts. It provided new perspectives and deepened the analysis,” says Elin Lundell.
Method and material
The researchers have worked on several levels of analysis, including the macro level with government policy and mass media, the meso level with religious civil society organisations, and the micro level with the lived experiences of religious LGBTQA people. The analysis has identified both similarities and tensions in views on the role of religion and the responsibility of the state.
“One thing that surprised me was that the proposals to ban conversion attempts, which have been repeatedly put forward by decision-makers and opinion leaders in recent years, are already covered by our existing legislation – something that is rarely mentioned in political debates and in the media,” says Mia Liinason.
From text to film
Turning a scientific article into a film was a creative process. The researchers collaborated with a production company and received help from their colleague Onur Kilic.
“We discussed the target audience, expression and feeling, and developed a storyboard that translated our theoretical concepts into visual scenes,” says Mia.
Elin adds:
“It was a challenge to relinquish control over how the research was presented, but the process provided new insights into how theory can be communicated.”
Why film?
The researchers see film as a way to reach new target groups and generate engagement.
“Images and moving images make it possible to convey complex concepts in a more accessible way. I also gained new perspectives on our work in ‘translating’ text into images,” says Elin.
Mia adds:
“Given how important moving images are for communication on digital platforms today, it is also valuable that film can disseminate research and research results to groups that would never have read a scientific article.”
Now the film is complete, the researchers hope that it will spark curiosity, inspire conversation and contribute to a broader understanding of the research results.
Watch the film on the project website (opens in a new window)
The film is based on the article:
Mia Liinason & Elin Lundell (2025): Problematising the secular/religion divide: religion as the Other in contemporary discourses on LGBTQIA+ rights in Sweden, Journal of Gender Studies, DOI: 10.1080/09589236.2025.2493262.
The article in Lund University's research portal