Problems and Possibilities of Institutionalization: Considering Futures for Queer and Trans Studies in Religion

This panel convenes to mark the launch of a first of its kind handbook, The Palgrave Handbook of Queer and Trans Studies in Religion (ed. Melissa M. Wilcox) and to consider the future of queer and trans studies in religion as the field seeks to establish itself albeit within the normativizing constraints of the university. Breaking from the hierarchy of presentation, we hope that the panel may engage directly in dialogue with the gathered attendees to discuss their take on the above subjects and their concerns as departments like queer studies, trans studies, women's, gender and sexuality studies, alongside departments like ethnic studies and black studies face the looming threat of and/or experience diminished institutional support, fewer hiring opportunities and resources, consolidation, and erasure.