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Unpacking queer culture through
the lens of academics.
Bringing together leading researchers exploring queer culture, history, and literature. Relax into the evening as academics share insights into LGBTQIA+ storytelling, activism, and identity. Whether you're a scholar or a curious mind, this night offers a thought-provoking deep dive into the research shaping our understanding of queer experiences.
Hosted by Paul Venzo, and featuring Carolyn D’Cruz, Tom Sandercock, Bron Bateman, Clare O’Hanlon, and Hans Kek.
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Assoc. Prof. Paul Venzo is a lecturer in writing and literature at Deakin University. His research focuses on literature for young people. He is the co-editor of Sexuality in Literature for Children and Young People (Routledge) and the co-author of the children's picture book The Great Southern Reef (CSIRO).
Carolyn D'Cruz is a recovering academic, from gender, sexuality, and diversity studies. She gained expertise in identity politics, after having to explain where she's from, and who she is, for most her life. She writes on making sense of oneself through others to contribute to making the colony fall.
Tom Sandercock is an early career researcher and academic whose work focuses on youth literature and LGBTQIA+ representation. Across his research and teaching he is passionate about how literary and screen texts can reflect, reinforce, critique, and transform shared understandings of identity, desire, and the body.
Bron Bateman is an award-winning poet, editor, educator and playwright from Boorloo (Perth). She has had three books of poetry published and an edited anthology. Her interests include the body, Mad Studies, Crip theory, Gothic theory, cultural studies and writing.
Clare O’Hanlon is a genderqueer academic librarian and Australian Queer Archives volunteer. They are passionate about making diverse knowledges and histories accessible across GLAM and higher education sectors. Their work is grounded in collective reflection and guided by social justice, compassion, courage, and creativity.
Hans Kek is an artist and scientist. He completed his PhD in 2024 and is currently working as a postdoctoral researcher at the Burnet Institute. His research focuses on developing novel immunotherapies to eliminate HIV-infected cells as part of a HIV cure strategy.
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