2017


The 36th Annual Gender Studies Symposium examined concepts of accessibility and dynamics of resource distribution in relation to gender and sexuality.  Our title this year called attention to questions of who or what serves as a “point of access,” how points of access are determined, and whose needs are met.  

We explored how points of access prioritize some people over others.  How do variables of power like gender, sexuality, and ability affect access to communities, spaces, and institutions, such as bathrooms, social movements, landscapes, and even events like this symposium?  Additionally, what impact do these issues of power have on access to resources, including healthcare, housing, food, and financial support?  How are these ultimately questions of equity and justice?

Student Co-Chairs: Grace Dudley ’17, Abbey Griscom ’17, Bryn Parry ’18, and Shade Samuelson ’17

Videos of our keynote presentations are online! Click below to view.

Defective, Deficient, Burdensome: Thinking about Bad Bodies
Eli Clare
, writer, speaker, and activist 

An Evening with Roxane Gay: Making a Point of Access
Roxane Gay, author and cultural critic

closed captioning is available on both symposium presentations.

 

Thanks to Bitch Media, Feminist Sticker Club, Powell’s Books, and Shebop for donating prizes for our Gender Studies Symposium passport and raffle.

 For campus accessibility information please go to “Event Details”.