Sexuality Wmn's & Gndr Studies 433 - The Queer/Trans Child

Sexuality and gender identity have until recently been considered adult identities; even in the late twentieth century, the concept of the "gay child" was largely a creation of gay adults reflecting back on their childhood. This seminar explores children's gender and sexuality, focusing in particular on the lives of transgender, gender-creative, gender non-conforming, gay and queer children who are under twelve years old. We will explore the ways that our society thinks about children’s autonomy, place within familial structures, and relationships to adults. Most important, we will listen to the voices of children and consider their own perspectives on matters of identity, expression and desire. Students will complete a semester research paper on a topic of their choice that relates to children’s gender and sexuality.

Requisite: SWAG 100 or consent of the instructor. Limited to 18 students. Not open to first-year students. Fall semester. Visiting Professor Vooris.