Queer Is as Queer Does

• In Event: Roundtable: Queering Researchers' Identities

Abstract

This paper uses personal narrative and critical/reflective discourse to discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise when LGBTQ identity and profession are intertwined. The author will discuss what it means to be a queer criminologist and educator, and share their personal experience of being out and openly transitioning in a criminal justice department. Several questions that will be offered as discussion points include whether or not to come out in our work and share our unique personal experiences, what it means to be the token queer, and how to balance our goals and concerns as LGBTQ-identified educators with our need for self-care.

Author

• Jace L Valcore, University of Houston Downtown