Critical Foundations: Queer Theory with Prof. Russell Robinson

This talk will explain what queer theory is and consider how it intersects with race, racism, and anti-racist activism. Professor Robinson will draw on Cathy J. Cohen’s foundational article Punks, Bulldaggers, and Welfare Queens: The Radical Potential of Queer Politics? to examine how queer theory and politics engage or fail to engage race and racism. He will also talk about how his own scholarship has relied on queer theory.

Prior to joining UC Berkeley, Robinson was a professor at UCLA School of Law. He graduated with honors from Harvard Law School after earning his B.A. summa cum laude from Hampton University. He then clerked for Judge Dorothy Nelson of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and Justice Stephen Breyer of the U.S. Supreme Court before practicing entertainment law. Robinson’s scholarly work focuses on anti-discrimination law, race and sexuality, constitutional law, and media and entertainment law, with publications in prominent law reviews like the Stanford Law Review and California Law Review.

Lunch will be served inside of Room 170 starting at 12:50 PM. RSVP Here.