Gender Studies Symposium

We find ourselves living in challenging times. Moved by the present moment, the 45th annual Gender Studies Symposium will explore dimensions of resistance, activism, and solidarity in relation to gender and sexuality. Using feminist, queer, and trans theoretical framings, we aim to examine all facets of resistance, whether those are small, everyday acts, long-term movements, or historical rebellions.

Building upon conversations from the 22nd annual Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies in November, we hope that investigating these forms of resistance will generate better understandings of the power we hold to cultivate change, and also remind ourselves that resistance is everywhere if we look hard enough. There is no one way to resist or rebel. Questions that we aim to explore include the following:

• How do we define resistance? How do we differentiate acts of resistance from other actions? What does feminist, queer, and trans resistance look like?
• What does resistance look like for the individual, and what does it look like for a collective?
• How do we cultivate resistance, and what are the obstacles we face?
• How do we endure, thrive, and persist in times of struggle? How do we practice care as an act of resistance for ourselves and our communities? What is the place of rage, grief, joy, and hope?
• How do we build coalitional movements based in trust? What does it mean to be in solidarity?
• What can we learn from past and present examples of feminist, queer, and trans resistance struggles, mutual aid practices, and rebellion?
• What is the place of identity in our modes and forms of resistance? In what ways can identities serve as the springboard or foundation for activist organizing, and in what ways can identities be barriers?

This symposium will serve as a space that renews our courage to care for one another and replenishes our strength in fighting for a better world. Every step is a step we take together.  

 

2025-26 student co-chairs:
Avarie Goerling ’27, Amber Kase ’27, Mallory McMullan ’27, and Kindle Murray ’27

Learn about this year’s symposium speakers, event schedule, and more.

• 
  

  This year’s symposium has been such an incredible experience. The planning process has sparked such creativity and inspiration within my everyday life. This year’s theme feels so important and will continuously connect to areas outside of gender studies.

  Avarie Goerling BA ’27

  Sociology and Anthropology | Gender Studies | Hillsboro, Oregon

  More about Avarie
• 
  

  Considering the current climate of the world, this year’s symposium is focusing on building solidarity, educating others on mutual aid, sharing stories of resistance, and teaching others about how they can resist. I hope to carry on these lessons into my future classrooms, sharing ideas of diversity, equality, and solidarity. 

  Amber Kase BA ’27

  Psychology | Religious Studies, possibly Gender Studies | Los Angeles, California

  More about Amber
• 
  

  Being a cochair for this year’s symposium has been an amazing experience. Working with my fellow cochairs and the larger community this semester has been a great way to hear people’s ideas of what they’d like to see and how we can put on events that people will be excited about.

  Mallory McMullan BA ’27

  English | Gender Studies | Chicago, Illinois

  More about Mallory
• 
  

  I have had such a wonderful experience as a cochair. It is a lot of work, but it is so worth it. Seeing our work come to fruition is an incredible feeling!

  Kindle Murray BA ’26

  Sociology and Anthropology | Health Studies | Bonney Lake, Washington

  More about Kindle