Queerating (Creating) Harmony: Intentional and Inclusive Campus Queer Academic and Social Spaces

Dwight Watson; Kenny Yarbrough; Logan Edwards

doi:10.47742/jhssr.v2n6p1

Authors

Dr. Dwight C. Watson University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Dr. Kenny E. Yarbrough Lawrence University
Dr. Logan Edwards Emory University

https://doi.org/10.47742/jhssr.v2n6p1

Keywords:

campus climate, the cycle of socialization, open and affirming policies and practices, queer identity development, queer history, racial identity politics, sexual-identity politics, social-emotional skills

Abstract

The creation of affirming spaces is imperative because queer students must find affinity to unpack and deconstruct the various intersections of sexuality, gender, race, and other intersectional identities that are a part of their transformational lives. This article discusses the use of the word queerating, which is an action that focuses on agency (self-identity), advocacy (self-empowerment), action (self-engagement), and actualization (self-efficacy). As ethno-autobiographers, the authors share their administrative and teaching journeys through personal vignettes, research on the history of queer spaces, and the psycho-social development of queer college students. The articles also discuss the practices, procedures, protocols, and policies necessary to queerate college spaces.

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Author Biographies

Dr. Dwight C. Watson, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Dr. Dwight C. Watson is a former Chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He is also a former provost, dean of education, chair, and currently a professor of education. His research focuses on literacy development, multicultural education, and administrators of color. He has published widely and presented at numerous regional, national, and international conferences.
Dr. Kenny E. Yarbrough, Lawrence University

Dr. Kenny Emmanuel Yarbrough is the Vice President of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Lawrence University. He brings over a decade of subject matter expertise in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Prior to joining Lawrence University, Dr. Yarbrough served as the chief diversity officer at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, Tennessee. While employed at Volunteer State Community College, Dr. Yarbrough completed the coveted Maxine Smith Fellows Program sponsored by the Tennessee Board of Regents. His professional career outside of academia includes for-profit and non-profit consulting, research-based religion clinician, and author on works of fiction, non-fiction, and self-help books. He presents at numerous state, national, and international conferences and enjoys being a conduit for learning and enlightenment.
Dr. Logan Edwards, Emory University

Dr. Logan Edwards is an Associate Teaching Professor of Kinesiology at Emory University.

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