Dr Finn Mackay

Qualifications:

PhD (University of Bristol); MSc Social Policy Research (University of Bristol); MA Gender, Culture & Modernity (Goldsmiths College, University of London); BA Hons Women's Studies (Lancaster University)

Position:

Senior Lecturer - Sociology

Department:

Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences (HAS)

Telephone:

+441173284425

Email:

Finn.Mackay@uwe.ac.uk

Social media:

About me

My area of research is feminist theory, activism and gender studies. I have been involved in feminist activism for over thirty years, since joining the women's peace movement as a teen, inspired by Greenham Common. Later I founded the London Feminist Network and revived London Reclaim the Night in 2004. Prior to returning to academia, my professional background was in education, policy and youth work, where I worked on domestic violence prevention and anti-bullying. I am still proudly involved with the women's sector, conducting work and research for organisations such as Women's Aid and I welcome such collaborations, speaking invitations or research enquiries.  

I speak and write regularly in mainstream media, including The Guardian, Huffington Post, Open Democracy as well as appearing on television and radio, including BBC Radio 4, C4 and BBC 2. I have debated at How The Light Gets In Philosophy Festival on numerous topics with MPs, cabinet ministers, philosophers and journalists. I have joined lively podcasts such as Now & Men and Pride and Progress, and am a TEDx Speaker (Covent Garden). My Opinion pieces in The Guardian can be viewed here. For The Guardian Books I also reviewed the latest book from Professor Judith Butler on gender.

I am currently a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Gender Studies and the International Journal of Lesbian Studies, an Ambassador for the Workers' Educational Association and a Trustee of the Feminist Archive. I am proud to have been a member of the board of the British Sociological Association, the BSA, and honoured to have delivered a keynote at the annual BSA Conference in 2023.

My research interests include: Gender studies, radical feminism, animal rights, lesbian and gay studies and particularly gender identity, definitions, expressions and the current attacks on LGBTQI+ rights. I welcome enquires for PhD supervision.

Recent articles:

Positive Humanity When? Is Masculinity Worth Saving? 

Leaving is Queer

Area of expertise

I speak and write regularly on feminist activism, feminist theory, LGBTQI+ rights, the so-called 'gender wars', and on male violence against women and women's liberation, including frequent media appearences on national radio and television, as well as public debates. In 2024 I was featured in Marie Claire's International Women's Day special issue on 100 of the most inspirational women. In 2026 I was honoured in a list of Changemakers by the organisation Trans In The City.

I am a Trustee of The Feminist Archive, and an Ambassador for the Workers' Educational Association. I am a member of the Bristol Best Practice Working Group for Trans and Non-Binary People.

Publications

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