Queer Studies Student Research Conference June 23-24, 2005 |
LGBTQIS Resource Development Coalition POST CONFERENCE REPORT SSU’s first annual Queer Studies Student Research Conference took place on June 23 and 24, 2005, on campus, and provided a forum for sixteen scholarly papers and two original films. The conference drew both graduate and undergraduate students from throughout a variety of universities, including Dartmouth, Bowling Green (Ohio), New York University, Tufts University, Wells College, Georgia State, Argosy University (Hawaii) and Union Institute (Ohio). Bay area and CSU campuses were also well-represented including three from Sonoma State University (several developed class papers into scholarly pieces), two from San Francisco State and one from UC-Santa Cruz. The conference effected several goals. First, students were afforded a smaller, more intimate climate of their peers to present their work. Indeed, for several, the conference was a first or second time of presenting at a professional conference, and were grateful for the relaxed, yet scholarly setting. Secondly, the conference created ample opportunities for networking among peers, and, based on conference evaluations, students benefited greatly from the two roundtable discussions. Thirdly, queer studies entails topics that may be stigmatized in other professional settings; thus, the conference provided a forum for discussion of topics that is rarely available. Again, conference evaluations indicate that the presenters’ exchanges, both during the conference sessions and in the residence hall, created an important learning community that will extend well beyond the conference. Finally, both presenters and SSU faculty noted the impressive quality of the papers, and many remarked that they look forward to next year’s conference. Queer Studies is a wide ranging field, and the papers illustrate well the variety of topics in this developing field. Briefly, Queer Studies extends gender and sexuality research to critique categorical definitions of sex, gender, and sexuality, to expose underlying power structures that reinforce a rigidly binary gender/sex schema, and to actualize insights into current day experiences, as in explorations of homophobia and critical approaches to HIV/AIDS prevention discourses. Several papers were deconstructionist, including a theoretical analysis of the television show, “The L Word;” a review of the language of AIDS by the Centers for Disease Control; and an exploration of linear time and heteronormativity in the movie “Memento.” Applied work included a call for legislative action against reparative therapy (where psychologists and pastoral counselors attempt to “undo” same-sex sexual practices) and insights into HIV/AIDS prevention issues for African American males known as “down low” (men who have sex with men and who do not identify as “gay”). Jann Nunn, SSU Professor in Art, presented her work “The Bradfords Tour America,” followed by an extensive question and answer period. Joelle Ruby Ryan, a Ph.D. candidate at Bowling Green, presented her original work “TransAmazon: A Gender Queer Journey.” The latter is a highly accessible and sensitive exploration of transgender issues, and we have recommended its purchase by the library. Both films were well-received. Conference attendance ranged from approximately 20 to 40, depending on time, and included non-presenting students from Kentucky (who received a grant to attend) and Georgia. Members of the campus community -- including both staff and faculty – and the broader community members also attended sessions. A variety of individuals made the conference feasible. SSU faculty moderated various sessions: Nan Alamilla Boyd, Rick Luttmann, Rose Bruce, Virginia Lea and Ellen Carlton. Staff organizers included Terilynn Bench and Kris Montgomery. Seven SSU students (besides the presenters) were involved in facilitation and organization of the conference. Given their enthusiastic response to the conference, we anticipate that several will submit papers for next year’s conference. Evaluation and Upcoming Plans In August, 2005, the co-coordinators discussed the conference on KRCB radio, during a gay, lesbian, bi, trans, queer, and intersex issues news show. Calls for papers will be extended earlier (October 2005) to encourage greater participation. Of the funds provided, there is $289.48 remaining in the account which will be used for next year’s conference. Acknowledgements The conference would not have been feasible without the generous financial support from Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and the School of Social Sciences. We, the conference co-coordinators, and the conference participants are grateful for this support. |