Recent News

Marielle Marcaida celebrating with her dissertation committee — Cricket Keating, Amanda Swarr, Chandan Reddy, and Rick Bonus — after passing her PhD general exams.
Please join us in congratulating Marielle Marcaida, who successfully passed her written and oral PhD general exams on Friday.Now a PhC, Marielle also brilliantly elaborated upon her dissertation prospectus, “Salvaging Maria: Urban Poor Mothers’ Resistance against the Philippine Drug War.” Her project examines how urban poor mothers vernacularize international human rights — and other recognized…
Come curious. Leave inspired. The UW offers an exciting lineup of in-person and online events. From thought-provoking art and music to conversations on culture, history, and science, the UW community invites you to explore, learn, and connect across disciplines throughout the University. And you don’t have to wait until Marchtake a look at everything still happening this February. In addition,…
Headshot of Michelle Habell-Pallán
We are pleased to congratulate Professor Michelle Habell-Pallán on her award of a Simpson Center for for the Humanities Society of Scholars Fellowship for 2026–27.The Society of Scholars fellowship will support the completion of Michelle’s monograph, Chicanxfuturisms: Punk’s “Algo Rhythm” and the Sonic Practices of Convivencia and Cultural Citizenship. The…
Flyer announcing a “Pregnancy Test Access Project” launch party on January 20, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM in HUB Room 334, with information about free pregnancy tests on campus, snacks, health resources, and a presentation.
On January 20, from 6:00–7:30pm in HUB Room 334, students will gather to celebrate the launch of the Pregnancy Test Access Project (PTAP), a new campus initiative that provides free pregnancy tests to UW students in accessible and private locations. One of those locations is the GWSS Advising Office (Padelford B110K), where tests will be available Monday through Thursday, 9:00-3:30.PTAP is the…
Purple graphic with abstract swirling shapes and white text reading “GWSS Undergraduate Research Grants.”
The Department of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies invites applications for undergraduate research grants. These research grants aim to elevate GWSS scholarship and create a more connected, experiential learning environment for our majors and minors. Deadline Extended: February 23, 2026FundingGWSS Undergraduate Research Grants of $1,000 are intended to jumpstart projects…
"Survivor accounts of the lasting effects of their prostitution at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein and his wealthy friends repeat the story of every trafficked girl and woman on Aurora Avenue in Seattle," writes Debra Boyer, affiliate faculty in the Department of Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies at the UW. Featured on The Seattle Times
Headshot of Amanda Swarr, smiling, wearing a black sweater, against a gold background.
Our new chair, Dr. Amanda Lock Swarr, delivered these remarks at our 2025 Fall Reception, a time students, faculty, and alumni come together to welcome in the new year.Welcome to the 2025/26 academic year in the Department of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies. This is my first time addressing you as the incoming chair of the department, and I want to begin by thanking our outgoing…
Book cover for Queer Print Cultures: Resistance, Subversion, and Community. The cover features purple text and palm tree illustrations above a black-and-white photograph of a smiling young person seated and wearing lederhosen. Edited by Vance Byrd and Javier Samper Vendrell.
Edited collections play a crucial role in shaping disciplines: they set agendas, frame debates, and help define the contours of a field. Contributing to one is a significant professional milestone, and we’re thrilled to celebrate PhD candidate Saad Khan for earning this distinction.Khan has co-authored a chapter titled “Queer Prints, Publics, and Counterpublics in Bangladesh: The Coherent, In-…
Colleen Melody smiles while seated in a wood-paneled courtroom, wearing glasses and a navy suit. Judicial chairs and the U.S. and Washington State flags appear in the background.
Colleen Melody, who taught GWSS 310: Women and the Law in Spring 2024, has been appointed to the Washington State Supreme Court. Her path reflects the deep, long-lasting connections that define GWSS: Melody first encountered GWSS 310 as an undergraduate, when she took the course with longtime instructor Pat Novotny. Melody has described that class as a turning point, shaping both her intellectual…
Headshot of Yasmine Gomez
GWSS congratulates PhD student Yasmine Gomez, who has been selected for the Peter T. Johnson Fund for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, which supports UW students conducting research or presenting work related to Latin America and the Caribbean.Yasmine will use the award to travel to Bogotá, Colombia to present at the Plurifeminismos Symposia and Writing Retreat and to continue her research…