Interview edited for length and clarity.
What drew you to the field of gender and cultural studies?
In my undergrad, I studied linguistics and psychology. However, by the end of it, I was focusing more so on transness [the state of being transgender] and gender studies and how that was connected to my field of study at that time. I found gender and language to be fascinating while also going through a time of self-discovery as a nonbinary and intersex person. It was a deeply personal decision to continue my curiosity in an academic setting.
Why did you decide to attend Simmons?
Simmons’ location in Boston was key for me. Also, when I was looking for schools with gender studies programs, Simmons stood out to me. Not only did they have a program focusing on gender, but also on cultural studies, which implied situating this field of studies in a broader, intersectional context.
When I got to experience the coursework, it clearly had a gendered lens given the name of the program, but I definitely saw aspects of queer theory throughout. It is more inclusive and intersectional to propel queer and trans and nonbinary voices.
How did attending a women-centered institution impact your studies?
What stood out most to me was that there were so many non-women there. I heard from trans people and nonbinary people, which enhanced our conversations surrounding gender, since as a group we heard from so many experiences on the personal level. Simmons is definitely a safe space for women, but it also felt like a queer safe space, too.
Did you have a favorite course?
One course I took early on in my studies was about Black narratives, and it was specifically curated around memoirs, personal stories, biographies, and literature that was more personal and reflective than material I had seen before.
I found it to be an eye-opening way for me to see different perspectives on the world. That course gave me the feeling that there is a way to teach the history of a minority group where it ends up being less about the differences and gets to the core of humanity that anyone can learn from.
What advice would you give to current Simmons students?
No matter what you choose to do, education is always the right choice. Expanding your mind is such an important thing to do. I had a phenomenal time, and I really do work in the field I studied so nothing feels like a lost cause. In my heart of hearts, I believe that all education is beneficial and I wish for everyone to get that chance to explore something they are passionate about.