The History of Male Homosexuality in Yugoslavia: A Conversation with Franko Dota and Slavcho Dimitrov

Croatian historian Franko Dota’s book is the first monograph on male homosexuality in socialist Yugoslavia, offering a distinctive history of the federation. The conversation with the author will be moderated by Macedonian activist Slavcho Dimitrov, one of the leading experts on the subject.

Franko Dota is a Croatian historian, translator, journalist and LGBTIQ rights activist. He graduated in history and Italian language and literature from the University of Zagreb, where he earned his PhD in 2017, researching the history of homosexuality in Croatia and Yugoslavia. A member of Zagreb Pride since 2007, he also co-founded Rozi Megafon, a service providing legal advice and representation to LGBTIQ people who have experienced violence or discrimination.

Slavcho Dimitrov (1984) is a Macedonian theorist, lecturer and activist working across gender studies, queer theory and human rights. He is the founder of the Summer School in Sexualities, Cultures and Politics and a co-founder of the IPAK Center for Research in Cultures, Politics and Identities.

Part of CoFestival 2026

CoFestival returns to Ljubljana for its 15th edition, bringing eight days of contemporary dance, performances, workshops, talks and an exhibition to venues across the city. The programme brings together Slovenian and international artists from across Europe, Tanzania and Canada. Through diverse choreographic approaches, their works explore gender and eroticism, visibility and invisibility, and the relationship between social norms and individuality.