Speculative Series: Gender and Queerness in Imaginative Worlds - Remote!

What is alien gender? How can a world of magic mirror queer experiences in the primary world? In this session, we'll explore questions of gender and sexuality in contemporary speculative fiction, moving beyond Ursula LeGuin's classic The Left Hand of Darkness. We’ll discuss the work of authors like Kim Stanley Robinson, Becky Chambers, Ann Leckie, Carmen Maria Machado, Aimee Bender, Brenda Peynado, and Andrea Lawlor, examining both queer representation in magical and speculative fictions and new ways of expressing gender and sexuality in imagined worlds. Students will work through a series of exercises designed to spur new ideas and deepen existing ones, before getting the chance to share brief examples of their work for on-the-spot feedback. Time will also be devoted to addressing the specific questions and concerns of the group.

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.