Trans Embodiment and the Queer Imaginary

Abstract

This dissertation explores the intersection of queer identity, art, and education, using the community-based arts program Stay Gold as a focal point. My personal journey as a queer trans graduate student provides a unique lens through which to examine the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals within educational and institutional spaces. I highlight the importance of acknowledging and valuing diverse voices within these spaces, emphasizing the role of art and personal connection as powerful tools for learning, healing, and community-building. Through a combination of autoethnography, arts-based research, and participant narratives, this work seeks to uncover hidden histories, challenge normative structures, and create opportunities for greater understanding and empathy across generations. By examining the complex dynamics of identity, belonging, and resistance within the LGBTQIA+ community, this study offers valuable insights into the transformative potential of art and education for fostering social change and promoting more inclusive and equitable environments for all.