Researchers in the current field of Gender Studies and its counterparts (Women’s Studies, Masculinity Studies, LGBT Studies, Sexuality Studies, etc) have long embarked on their work in relative or total isolation. Many of us who engage in true multi-disciplinary gender work tend to push at the socially acceptable boundaries of our fields, and as a result, are often forced to recreate the wheel in the name of sound academic research. Those of us who come to the field from a place of passion and a desire to work for change try to occupy the spaces of both the academic and the activist, often finding that their credibility in both arenas is at stake, and that they are marginalized for their efforts. And for all who teach in non-traditional settings without the safety of the collegial classroom, the validity of gender-diverse-inclusive curriculum is often challenged and critiqued – assumed to be part of an “agenda” or non-essential education.

It is for these reasons and many more that AGREAA has been founded. We believe that in order to move forward there needs to be a dedicated community to break down the walls that inhibit dialogue. Our hope is that AGREAA will become a thriving professional development organization that fosters the ongoing opportunity for continued dialogue about gender.

One thing that sets AGREAA apart from other organizations is our true cross-disciplinary focus. We are dedicated to breaking down the walls that currently exist between the various factions of gender studies. Rather than focusing on academic backgrounds, AGREAA chooses instead to focus on gender as a whole. Additionally, we are looking to the future. For example, by having a central professional development component AGREAA offers opportunities, such as mentoring, which are geared towards personal and professional growth for long-term career success.

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Association for Gender Research, Education, Academia & Action

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