The 5th Annual Gala of New York-based psychoanalytic journal ROOM, which was held on July 17, 2025, gave special attention to five individuals who have shown unusual courage in the world, and who have contributed to ROOM – a unique psychoanalytically-informed publication, described as a ‘Sketchbook for Analytic Action’ that presents challenging cultural and intellectual papers and artistic insights. Since its inception, ROOM has been a home for those who give voice to difficult issues, and is described by Editor-in-Chief, Dr Hattie Myers as “a space for people who must speak, who dare to think and feel out loud, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it’s costly.” Dr Myers said that the award was presented to Lord Alderdice to “honor his courage facing divisions, connecting communities and forging peace through analytic thought.”
ROOM’s 2025 Gala celebrated that spirit in person and on-line and included a moving and in-depth conversation between Lord Alderdice, this year’s Coline Covington award recipient, and Aneta Stojnic, co-host of the podcast Voices from ROOM. Also honoured were Tasala Habibyar’s bravely personal account of living in a world that punishes female ambition, female education, and female presence; Jyoti Rao’s thoughts about the psychic and ethical implications of what it means to live in a democratic society today; a tribute to Kara Walker’s art that speaks uncomfortable truths through image, gesture, and form; and Mary Buchinger’s poem, The Ever Restless Voice.
Lord Alderdice has been a supporter of ROOM since its inception and introduced his friend, Coline Covington, to the journal where she was a much valued contributor her untimely death in 2023.
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Congratulations for such a great, long, patient and important contribution to peace in the world. At national, international and personal levels. Bravo.