About us

BACKGROUND

Founded in 2008, Birkbeck Gender and Sexuality (BiGS) aims to foster and showcase interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange in gender and sexuality studies. Situated within Birkbeck Institute for Social Research (BISR), and currently funded by the Schools of Arts, Law, and Social Sciences, History and Philosophy, BiGS brings together scholars working across the college and encourages dialogue with practitioners in the creative industries as well as with non-academic constituencies.

Birkbeck has a long history of world-leading research in gender and sexuality, and BiGS strives to promote and advance that rich legacy through its activities which typically include a vibrant programme of workshops, screenings, performances, readings, lectures and seminars.  

Highlights in recent years have included the symposium Bowie at Birkbeck, the Feminist Emergency International Conference, and workshops on gendering austerity. We encourage dialogue with practitioners, policy makers, activists and artists and welcome suggestions for collaborations from colleagues across Birkbeck's departments and schools.

BIGS PERSONNEL 

• Director, Birkbeck Institute for Gender and Sexuality: Dr Fintan Walsh
• Manager, Birkbeck Institute for Social Research: Lou Miller

BIGS STEERING COMMITTEE

• Katherine Angel, Lecturer in Creative Writing
• Margarita Aragon, Lecturer in Sociology
• Adam Castle, Events Coordinator Peltz Gallery
• Aviah Day, Lecturer in Criminology
• Sophie Hope, Lecturer in Arts Management
• Julia Laite, Reader in Modern History
• Alex Leggett, PhD English and Humanities
• Lou Miller (Secretary), BISR Manager
• Fiona Tasker, Reader in Psychology
• Emily van Blanken, MA Investigative Reporting
• Penny Vera-Sanso, Senior Lecturer in Development Studies and Social Anthropology
• Fintan Walsh (Director), Reader in Theatre and Performance
• Lilith Whiley, Lecturer, Department of Organizational Psychology

BISR AFFILIATE GROUP

• BiGS has an advisory group of academics and researchers based at Birkbeck, who contribute to our vibrant culture of research and events. 
• The advisory group members are invited to an annual social and networking event where attendees share ideas and projects with colleagues, and explore ways to better showcase the world-leading research produced within the College. 
• The group is open to all staff and students within the College.
•  If you would like to be added to our advisory group mailing list, please email BISR manager, Lou Miller.