Given the outcome of the recent election, much about the future is uncertain. But two things are crystal clear—the value of feminist scholarship and the importance of an institutional home where feminist research is nurtured and taught. Every day the Department of Gender and Women’s Studies proves its worth. Our former students draw on their education as they shape policy, treat patients, organize communities, report news, advocate for the most marginalized, and raise the next generation. Our current students read, write, and research as if their rights are at stake.

With the shift of daylight savings, and the turning of the calendar from the season of light to dark, we take stock of where we are in GWS and LGBTQ+ Studies and continue to find ways to make our own light amid grief, rage, and uncertainty. Starting with, a literal fire that brought celebration, warmth, and joy to our departmental community! In attendance we had students, faculty, staff, and alumni. We listened to music, ate, laughed, and enjoyed the gentle simplicity of togetherness. We made a collaborative playlist, and we ask you to share a favorite feminist anthem with us as well! I know we will continue to build fires and bask in their warmth together.

GWS is launching a new virtual alumni book club! Beginning January 2025, The Stories Between will begin meeting once a month to read and discuss Dr. Judy Houck’s 2024 book Looking Through the Speculum: Examining the Women’s Health Movement. Sign up to reserve a space and receive a free copy of our first read! Keep your eye out for exciting developments related to all things books! Space is limited! Sign up today! 

Earlier this month, students, staff, faculty, and alumni gathered for a night of fun, music, and food, continuing a new and exciting tradition of semester campfires! As life and events of the world continue in consuming ways around us, coming together in these moments is a needed reminder that we are stronger together and are tethered steadily in this growing community. 

Amanda Gennerman (she/her) graduated in 2000 with a dual degree in Women’s Studies and Afro-American Studies. She is currently on the Executive Committee of WI Chapter of AILA and has been selected to serve on the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Legal Assistance Committee. Shaniya Auxier (she/her) graduated in 2022, with a major in Psychology and a certificate in Gender and Women’s Studies. She is currently a first-year PhD student in the UW Counseling Psychology department. Maya Cherins (she/her) graduated in 2022 with majors in Gender and Women’s Studies and Community and Nonprofit Leadership and a certificate in Global Health. Today, she lives in New York City and is the Senior US Communications Assistant at Guttmacher Institute.

Our current GWS and LGBTQ+ students come from across campus and from around the world. Read about some of them here. Bella Ferak is double-major in Gender & Women’s Studies and Journalism. As Bella pursues a career in broadcast journalism, GWS has inspired her to create a more inclusive media landscape. Hannah Cacciapaglia is double-majoring in Gender & Women’s Studies and Political Science. Hannah plans to bring perspectives from GWS to the commencement of her career in public service. Michael Rozier is majoring in Gender & Women’s Studies. GWS has inspired Michael to pursue an inclusive consulting career!

Meet Dr. Elaine Cannell, who is a Visiting Assistant Professor in GWS. Dr. Elaine Cannell's research intersects social movement history with queer and feminist theory and performance studies. Get to know more about her research and what she likes to do in her free time here. 

Visiting Assistant Professor Elaine Cannell has brought us a new course on Narrating Gender and Sexual Difference.

Narrating Gender and Sexual Difference considers how different genres–including manifestos, memoirs, speculative fiction, dramatic literature, and poetry–have been deployed by queer and trans communities, women of color, and other gender and sexual outlaws in order to voice their lived experiences from the 1950s to the present.

The CRGW’s research group on “Gender, Aging and Activism” has been working together for the past two years on a community based Raging Grannies archival project. This group brings together undergraduates and graduate students in Gender and Women’s Studies and Interdisciplinary Theater Studies, as well as GWS alumni. The group’s current research program grows from Dr. Garlough’s early research with the Raging Grannies that began in 2012 during the WI Labor Protests.  

Visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to hear about current department happenings! You can also fill out this survey to connect with Alumni Engagement Coordinator, Kate Phelps, to share your ideas about alumni programming.