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Past Events
Wednesday, October 21 4pm LSB 142
Pamela L. Caughie
“The Short Life, and Long Legacy, of Lili Elbe”
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Friday, October 2, 2026
THE BORDERS OF AMÉRICA: Authoritarianism, Border Regimes, & Migrant Resistance Roundtable
Corboy Law Center, Room 211
25 E. Pearson St., Chicago, IL 60611
9:30am - 1:00pm,
To mark the publication of The Borders of América (Duke University Press, 2026), this two-panel event brings together migration scholars from Chicago, throughout the United States, and across the Américas to discuss transformations in human mobility, border regimes, migrant dispossession, and the transnational struggles contesting them.
Schedule of events:
9:30am: Introductions and Welcome
9:45am - 11:15am: Border Regimes and Migrant Resistance Roundtable
Moderator: Dr. Cristian Paredes, Professor - Sociology and Program Director - Race & Ethnicity Interdisciplinary Minor, Loyola University Chicago
| Speaker | Presentation | Biography |
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| Dr. Soledad Álvarez Velasco (University of Illinois Chicago) | The Trans-American Border Regime Shifting the Andean Region Connecting Node | Dr. Soledad Álvarez Velasco is a Social Anthropologist and Human Geographer. She works as an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Anthropology and Latin American and Latino Studies at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her research focuses on the interconnection of mobility, control and spatial transformation across the Americas. She is the author of Frontera Sur Chiapaneca el muro humano de la violencia (2016), co-editor of Luchas Migrantes en tiempos Endémicos y de Crisis (2025), and is currently completing a new monograph: Inhabiting Transit: the migrant spatial struggle form South America to the U.S. and back South Again. |
| Dr. Eduardo Domenech (Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina) | The Trans-American Border Regime and the Infrastructural Politics of Mobility Containment | Dr. Eduardo Domenech is a researcher at the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), based at the Institute of Anthropology of Córdoba (IDACOR), Argentina. He investigates the transformation of migration and border regimes in Latin America. He recently published the book Fronteras en disputa [Contested Borders] (CALAS, 2025). |
| Dr. Nicholas de Genova (University of Houston) | Toward a Genealogy of the Trans-American Border Regime | Dr. Nicholas De Genova is Professor in the Department of Anthropology and Comparative Studies at the University of Houston. He is the author or editor of 9 books, including Toward Border Abolition: Migrant Struggles and the Law (2026). He is currently completing two new monographs: The Migrant Metropolis and Border Fascism. |
| Dr. Gustavo Dias (Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros (UNIMONTES), Brasil) | Confins International Airport: A Brazilian Node within the Trans-American Border Regime | Dr. Gustavo Dias is a professor and researcher at the State University of Montes Claros, Brazil, and also coordinator of the Odyssey: Abdelmalek Sayad Research Group. He completed his PhD in Sociology at Goldsmiths / University of London-UK. His research is concerned with Brazilian international migration, border regimes, and Abdelmalek Sayad’s critical perspectives on migration. |
11:15am - 11:30am: Break
11:30am - 1:00pm: Chicagolandia: A Sanctuary City
Moderator: Dra. Suzanne Bost, Professor and Chair, English, Loyola University Chicago
| Speaker | Presentation | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. María Vidal de Hymes (Loyola University Chicago) | Witness and Accompaniment as Collective Care and Sanctuary Practice | Dr. María Vidal is a Professor and Director of the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Accompaniment (CIRA) at Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work, where she teaches social welfare and immigration policy courses. Her background is in migration studies, social welfare policy and program development and evaluation. Her research focuses on violence and displacement of Central American youth, socio-emotional accompaniment of migrants and refugees, social determinants of health and mental health in immigrant communities, and the intersection of immigration and social welfare systems. |
| Dr. A. Naomi Paik (University of Illinois Chicago) | Sanctuary by the People | A. Naomi Paik is the author of Bans, Walls, Raids, Sanctuary: Understanding U.S. Immigration for the 21st Century and Rightlessness: Testimony and Redress in U.S. Prison Camps since World War II. She revised and updated Ronald Takaki’s A Different Mirror for Young People: A History of Multicultural America (2026). She coedited four special issues of the Radical History Review on militarism and capitalism, sanctuary, policing, and the Anthropocene. She coedits the “Borderlands” section of Public Books and “The Politics of Sanctuary” blog at the Smithsonian. She is an associate professor of Criminology, Law, and Justice and Global Asian Studies at the University of Illinois Chicago. |
| Dr. Héctor García-Chávez (Loyola University Chicago) | Lit&Luz Festivals: Creating Intercultural Artistic Spaces throughout Chicagolandia | Dr. Héctor García Chávez holds a joint appointment in the Women's/Gender Studies Program and the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at Loyola University Chicago. His specialties include Mexican literature and film plus U.S. Latinx studies with a focus on Chicagolandia. He serves as Head of Graduate Programs and Gender Studies and teaches interdisciplinary courses on Queer/Cuir Theory, Masculinity Studies, and Migration, Gender & Sexuality. For more than 20 years he has been a collaborator and lecturer at UNAM-Chicago. |
| Directorx Maya Piña (Casa Michoacán-Elgin / Director, La Feria del Libro en Chicago) | Los tigres del verbo: migración, cultura y resistencia en Chicago | Maya Piña is the Director of Casa Michoacán Elgin, a nonprofit organization committed to advancing the well-being, empowerment, and civic engagement of the Latino community throughout Elgin and Kane County, Illinois. She is also a cultural promoter, transgender advocate, writer, and editor who has cofounded several influential literary and cultural magazines in Chicago. Through El Beisman Press, Piña has contributed to the publication of numerous catalogs showcasing Latino artists and promoting Latino arts, literature, and culture. |
Feminist Lecture Series Previous Semesters:
Spring 2026 Feminist Lecture Series
| Date | Speaker and Topic |
|---|---|
| January 28 4:00-5:00pm IC 230 |
Suzanne Bost "Gloria Anzaldúa’s Prieta is Dreaming" |
| March 11 4:00-5:00pm CH 111 |
Dyna Arriaga "Thinking Outside of the "Man" Box: Utilizing Masculinity Theory in Higher Education Programming |
| March 25 4:00-5:00pm IC 230 |
Alexander Meeus " Women are the Champions: The Surprisingly Persistent Neglect of Women's Sports in Ancient Greek History" |
| April 15 4:00-5:00pm IC 230 |
Sofia Gabriel "The Feminist Collective Body. Performance and Feminisms in Latin America" |
Fall 2025 Feminist Lecture Series
| Date | Speaker and Topic |
|---|---|
| September 24 4:30-5:30pm Crown 141 |
Jana Kopal and Ariana Santos - Las Fronteras Divinas: Cross-Cultural Mythologies in Latina Literature |
| October 8 4:30-5:30pm Crown 141 |
Maryam Rizvi - Queerness in Islam told through "Hijab Butch Blues" |
| November 12 4:30-5:30pm Crown 141 |
Grace Kubek - Limitations Among Transgressions: The Evolution of Lesbian Activist Fashion from 1950-1980 |
| December 3 4:30-5:30pm Crown 141 |
Evangeline Stott - Rewilding the Creative Process |
2022-23 Academic Year |
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Moxie Movie Night! |
Need a break from studying? Join the WSGS office on December 1st at 5:30pm for a screening of Moxie! |
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Midterm Elections are Coming Up! |
Check out Loyola Votes and make sure you are preapred to vote in the election next month! |
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WSGS Open House |
Come check out our feminist library and study space! |
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Feminist Forum: Hygiene Kits |
Join The Feminist Forum in Cuneo Hall 109 at 4:30pm on September 29th to help make hygiene kits for Sarah's Circle! |
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Feminist Ethicists Respond to Dobbs: A LUC Theology Department Series |
Join the Theology Department on Tuesdays during the fall semester for conversations in response to the recent Dobbs Decision by the U.S. Supreme Court!
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2021-22 Academic Year |
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Gerber/Hart and Library and Archives Podcast: Unboxing Queer History |
Have you heard of the Gerber/Hart Library and Archives here in Rogers Park? Gerber/Hart has a collection of LGBTQ+ cultural and historical items and works to preserve these artifacts. They recently started a podcast to discuss the insides of their work and elaborate on the stories of the items they find. |
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Summer 2022 WSGS 101 Course Offering More Information. |
The course follows a lecture and discussion format, including in-class exercises and small group work, and is structured around two thematic areas: Unit 1: bodies, gender, and sexuality Unit 2: theories and social movements. |
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Dr. Elizabeth Coffman awarded the Ken Burns Prize for Film More Information. Watch the Flannery Trailer. |
Last month, the Library of Congress awarded the inaugural Ken Burns Prize for Film to Loyola professor, Dr. Elizabeth Coffman and Vice President for Mission and Ministry of Georgetown University, Mark Bosco for their documentary film, Flannery, about the life and work of southern fiction writer, Flannery O’Connor. |
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Call for 2022 Feminist Lecture Series Proposals More Information. |
The Women’s Studies & Gender Studies program is now accepting presentation proposals for the 2022 Feminist Lecture Series! Individuals or groups interested in presenting their research, academic interests, or professional work(s) in the 2022 academic year are encouraged to submit their proposals by December 1, 2021, and can do so by clicking here. This is an excellent opportunity for faculty, students, and community members alike to share their latest research, bolster their resume, and gain invaluable public speaking experience outside of the classroom setting. |
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Mira Krivoshey - Sexual Assault Advocacy Course More Information: |
Click the link for more information and the flyer for the spring 2021 Sexual Assault Advocacy course. |
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Michelle Nickerson Suffrage School Find Dr. Nickerson's video and more here!
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Loyola's own Dr. Michelle Nickerson (History) hosted the latest installment of Suffrage School, an ongoing project at the Radcliffe Institute in honor of the ratification of the 19th amendment. Follow the link to find Dr. Nickerson's video, along with over a dozen others from a broad array of researchers, writers, and teachers. |
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Councilmember Andrea Jenkins Click here to watch a recording of this spectacular event. More Information. |
On Thursday, February 25, 2021 the Loyola University Chicago was visited by Councilwoman Andrea Jenkins in conversation with Shay Collins, President of Loyola SDMA. In 2017, Andrea Jenkins made history, becoming the first African American openly trans woman to be elected to office in the United States. Representing Ward 8 and serving as Vice President of the Minneapolis City Council, Jenkins came to politics in order to fight systemic racism, transphobia, and inequity. |
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A New 'Think Women Award for Writing" More Information. |
The School of Social Work invites any graduating Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral student to submit an original paper relevant to current issues that focus on women and gender. Thoughtful papers that highlight women’s issues and women as a relevant population in social work through practice, policy, or research are acceptable. The papers will be judged by an Awards Committee of faculty and staff. The award is being sponsored by Think Women Company. |
2020-21 Academic Year |
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Votes for Women |
The WLA is dedicating 19 days to commemorating the 100th anniversary of the enactment of the 19th Amendment. August 26-October 29, 2020, follow us on Facebook as we highlight a collection of events & resources. |
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Lili Elbe Digital Archive |
In 1930 Danish artist Einar Wegener underwent a series of surgeries to become Lili Elvenes (more commonly known as Lili Elbe). Her life story, Fra Mand til Kvinde (Man into Woman), published in Copenhagen in 1931, is the first full-length narrative of a subject who undergoes a surgical change in sex. This digital archive will provide searchable versions of all four editions (Danish, German, British and American) as well as the German typescript and the first English language translation of the Danish edition. |
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WSGS Community Alive and Well See the full note here! |
A note from our director, Dr. Betsy Jones Hemenway. |
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Rebecca Traister - Good & Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women’s Anger |
On November 10, Loyola Women’s Studies & Gender Studies partnered with local, feminist bookstore Women & Children First to host Rebecca Traister in conversation with Megan Stielstra regarding Traister’s latest book Good & Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women’s Anger. Women & Children First describes the book as “a vital, incisive exploration into the transformative power of female anger and its ability to transcend into a political movement.” The event served as the 40th Anniversary celebration for the Loyola Women’s Studies and Gender Studies program as well as Women & Children First. Both have been a part of the Chicago feminist community since 1979. Hosted at Wilson Abbey in Uptown, the event had over 150 people in attendance. Betsy Jones Hemenway, Director of the Loyola Women’s Studies and Gender Studies program, delivered a short speech on the importance of Women’s Studies in the current socio-political landscape characterized by the continued marginalization of women and gender minorities. Hemenway continued on to introduce Traister and welcome her to the stage. Rebecca Traister is writer at large for New York magazine and a contributing editor at Elle. A National Magazine Award finalist, she has written about women in politics, media, and entertainment from a feminist perspective for The New Republic and Salon and has also contributed to The Nation, The New York Observer, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vogue, Glamour and Marie Claire. She is the author of All the Single Ladies and the award-winning Big Girls Don’t Cry.
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2019-20 Academic Year |
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Congratulations to Our Graduating Students! |
It may not have been the graduation we were expecting, but we still found a way to honor and celebrate our graduating WSGS students. Congratulations! |
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WSGS Community Alive and Well Updated Information. |
In these bizarre times, help us with creative ways to stay connected. |
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Dr. Shweta Singh - 2019 Gender Equality Award |
Professor, Dr. Shweta Singh, who currently teaches Global Feminism among other courses, was awarded the 2019 Gender Equality Award. On October 15, The United Nations (UN) Women USA Chicago Chapter held its fourth annual Gender Equality Awards. This event honored Chicago-based individuals and organizations for their work towards equitable city planning at the local, national and global level. Professor, Dr. Shweta Singh, who currently teaches Global Feminism among other courses, was awarded the 2019 Gender Equality Award. Dr. Singh was recognized for her work as founder of the Benefit Corporation Think Women Company and co-creator of the E-Zine Empowered Women.
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40th Anniversary Sticker Winners See the sticker designs! |
Congratulations to all the winners! |
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100th Anniversary of Women's Suffrage Sticker Contest |
In honor of the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage and the continued fight for voting rights today, WSGS is seeking visual art submissions on the theme of civic engagement. Loyola University Chicago Women's Studies and Gender Studies program: All submissions should be sent to: wsgsprogram@luc.edu by December 17th, 2019 at midnight. |
2018-19 Academic Year |
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Feminist Lecture Series 2018 |
Join us every other Wednesday at 4 p.m. in Cuneo 103 for the Feminist Lecture Series. |
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Meaghan Tomasiewicz - 2018-2019 President's Medallion Recipient |
Meaghan is the School of Social Work's 2018-2019 President's Medallion recipients and scheduled to complete their Master of Social Work and Master of Arts in Women’s Studies and Gender Studies in 2019.
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2017-18 Academic Year |
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Congrats to Our Graduates! |
Join us in congratulating our 2018 WSGS Graduates: Mary Kate Curley, Jena DiMaggio & Bri Howerton. |
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Loyola Feminist Lecture Series More Information. |
In the spirit of community consciousness-raising groups of the 1970s, the Women's Studies and Gender Studies program aims to create a space where community members facilitate dialogues and learn more from each other essential topics of contemporary feminism. Our inaugural lecture series provides an opportunity for the Loyola community to foster an environment in which feminist ideas thrive. Our presenters are current and former students, staff, and faculty addressing topics and issues impacting both our campus and larger Chicago community. The Fall 2018 lecture schedule will be announced in the coming months. |
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Celebrate Women's History Month |
Join faculty, staff, and students across our campus community to remember and celebrate women in various fields and industries throughout March. |
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Spring 2018 Lecture Series: Call for Presenters |
In Spring 2018, the Women's Studies and Gender Studies (WSGS) program will launch a monthly lecture lunch series for the Loyola community and friends. In the spirit of community consciousness-raising groups of the 1970s, WSGS aims to create a space where community members facilitate dialogues and learn more from each other essential topics of contemporary feminism. Each selected presenter will give a lecture and/or presentation for up to 30 minutes. They may choose to do a Q&A or provide questions for group conversation following their lecture. We are seeking submissions from current and former graduate students, undergraduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni. People of all disciplines are welcome to submit, as long as there is a feminist theoretical framework or methodology. Submit an application via our Google Form by October 31 at 6 p.m. E-mail WSGS graduate assistant Keisa Reynolds at kreynolds6@LUC.edu with any questions. The monthly series will occur every third Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. in the WSGS suite (Crown Center, Room 116) at the Lake Shore Campus. The dates for Spring 2018 semester are January 17, February 21, March 21, and April 18. Refreshments will be provided by the WSGS program. Please feel free to bring your own brown bag lunch. |
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Study Abroad in Nicaragua with WSGS |
Travel to Central America and explore contemporary gender issues during Spring Break 2018. The application deadline is November 1. |
| A Century of Irish Activism: My Grandparents and My Own Fight for Gender Equality |
When: October 25, 2017 | 4-5:30 p.m. Dr. Sheehy Skeffington’s grandparents, Hanna and Francis Sheehy Skeffington, were prominent Irish feminists, nationalists, pacifists, and socialists. After Francis was shot without trial by the British during the Irish 1916 rebellion, Hanna embarked on an 18-month tour of the U.S. to tell the truth about British brutality in Ireland. 100 years later, Micheline is retracing that tour and filming a documentary to honor her grandmother’s remarkable and little-remembered achievement. This event is sponsored by the Women's Studies and Gender Studies program and the Gannon Center for Women and Leadership. |
| Sam Kirk Event |
In celebration of LGBTQIA Heritage Month, we are co-sponsoring events with artist Sam Kirk on October 20, 2017. Kirk will host an interactive workshop and give a keynote focusing on her identities as a local, Chicago artist, Woman of Color, and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. |
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Study in Washington D.C. |
Loyola's "Semester in Washington D.C." is open to all Loyola undergraduate students with at least a junior standing. Applications for the Spring 2018 semester are due this month. |
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Calling all WSGS Alums |
The Women's Studies and Gender Studies program wants to highlight the successes of our undergraduate and graduate alumnae/i. During the 2017-18 academic year, we will interview six to ten WSGS alumni and publish short profiles about each person on our website. The profiles will serve as a resource for prospective and current students interested in our undergraduate and graduate programs. This is an opportunity for them to learn more about utilizing a degree in women's studies and gender studies. This is also a great way to show off your hard work! If you or someone you know would like to be featured, contact WSGS graduate assistant Keisa Reynolds at kreynolds6@luc.edu. Your e-mail should include the full name, graduation year, and brief description of the person's work since completion of the WSGS program, along with their email address. Nominations are due by Sunday, October 8, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. |
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Statement on the Rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program |
Loyola President Jo Ann Rooney, JD, LLM, EdD, reaffirms the University’s commitment to a community based in hope, faith, and service—and to the extraordinary group of students affected by the decision ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. |
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Join us in Spain this summer! |
Learn about contemporary gender issues in Barcelona. Visit one of a kind museums, historic architectural sites, and cultural organizations/NGOs that pave the way for gender equality and gender diversity. |
2016-17 Academic Year |
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Medieval Movie Night: The Sorceress |
Medieval Studies Center and the hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual heritage present Medieval Movie Night: the Sorceress. Movie will show on APRIL 3 from 6-8:30pm in the Crown Auditorium and will include a historical introduction, snacks and discussion... Medieval witchcraft, healing practices, official and "folk" religion, aristocratic oppression and female empowerment are just a few of the topics addressed. |
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Undergraduate Women’s Leadership Award Reception 3/20/17 |
7-8:30 p.m. • McCormick Lounge • Lake Shore Campus |
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Picturing Women in Renaissance Art 3/21/17 |
6pm • LUMA (Loyola University Museum of Art) |
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Women in Politics: Past and Present 3/27/17 |
7 p.m. • Klarchek Information Commons, Fourth Floor • Lake Shore Campus |
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Sita and Surpanakha: Indian Womanhood in a Tholu Bommalata Ramayan 3/28/17 |
6 p.m. • LUMA (Loyola University Museum of Art) |
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Aurora Levins Morales: “Deep Sustainability: Ecology, Disability, and Justice” 4/5/17, 5:30pm, IC 4th Floor |
"We live in a world in great peril of destruction because our economies have been built on foundations of greed. In the face of great odds, people have always found ways to resist being dehumanized, exploited and dominated. But now we are at a tipping point. In order to change human society enough to sustain us, we need to draw many different nuclei of that resistance together, and tap everything we have learned through generations of separate efforts to build peaceful, just and life-sustaining societies. |
Congratulations to Maryam Rizvi, Winner of the Mary Griffin Award!
We are proud to announce Maryam Rizvi as the winner of the Mary Griffin Award for her essay "Queerness in Islam: Hijab Butch Blues and Redefining Queer Muslim Identity With the Help of Chosen Family"
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New Advanced Master's Pathway (AMP)!
Interested in a WSGS MA? Our new AMP allows Loyola undergraduates of any major to begin graduate coursework during their senior year! Learn more here.
Internships
Attention majors! WSGS 398/Internship is a requirement for your major. If you need to take this course over the summer or in the upcoming year, please begin thinking about what you want to do soon. You should review the WSGS Internship and Practicum page on the WSGS website (linked below). We strongly suggest that you meet with Dr. Boychenko to go over the syllabus and requirements for the internship so that you can be registered for the class and fill out required forms.
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Feminist Lecture Series
Call for proposals for SPRING 2027 Feminist Lecture Series! Every semester, the Women’s Studies & Gender Studies program holds the Feminist Lecture Series as an opportunity for individuals or groups to present their research, academic, or professional work. The series includes a wide variety of topics and disciplines with special attention to women and gender in policy and global issues, social justice movements, reproductive rights, and interdisciplinary work. Please use the QR code on our flyer to apply. Click on 'Learn More' to apply for the spring series.
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Queer Theory Reading Group
Interested in learning more about the multi-faceted discipline of Queer Theory? Check out our Queer Theory Reading Group!
Looking to the Past to Envision the Future
TCGQT is a colloquium highlighting the works of Undergraduate and Graduate students, which will continue to take place every spring semester. Click 'Details' for more information on panel topics from our last conference.
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60th The Southern Conference on Slavic Studies
Dr. Hemenway and Oleh, presented at 60th The Southern Conference on Slavic Studies that took place at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
WSGS Feature in Loyola Phoenix
Three of our 2024 graduating seniors in the WSGS major and three of our staff and affiliate faculty were interviewed by the Loyola Phoenix in "‘Exactly Where I Need to Be’: Women’s Studies and Gender Studies at Loyola." The interviewees speak on the influence WSGS has on their work, research, college experiences, and life overall. They describe the interdisciplinary nature of our field and the ability to bring this critical lens to any professional field. Click 'Read More' to view this article.
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What am I Supposed to do with a WSGS Degree?
What Are You Going to Do with That? is a podcast that explores the dreaded question many students majoring in the humanities get: what will you do with that degree, or how will the humanities get you a job?