Swerve South

In this pop-up podcast episode by Isom graduate assistant Julia Kraus, we explore the history of Oxford Pride, tracing its roots and celebrating its vibrant evolution. Julia dives into interviews and stories that highlight the courage and resilience of Oxford's LGBTQ+ community. From Pat Miller's pioneering spirit in the early '90s to contemporary initiatives led by voices like Matt Kessler and Loki Francis Swain, this episode captures the essence of struggle, solidarity, and celebration. Join us as we honor the past, spotlight the present, and gear up for the 2024 Oxford Pride Parade. Don’t miss this inspiring journey through the colorful streets of Oxford's queer history.

In this Swerve South Student Popup, Paul Mora presents two student podcasts that work together to present a multifaceted look at gender and sexuality. The episode features two segments: the first examines LGBTQ+ representations in popular TV shows, while the second dives into the complexities of LGBTQ+ health care and its portrayal in the media. Special guest Vanessa Charlotte joins the discussion, offering her expert insights.

Join us for the latest installment of Swerve South's Student Popup series, where Sophia Purvis delves into the iconic New York saga of friendship, fashion, and finding oneself in "Sex and the City" and its modern-day continuation, "And Just Like That...". In this episode, Sophia, under the guidance of Dr. Jaime Harker’s English 384: The Queer ’90s course, explores the intricate relationship these series have with the queer community, highlighting both their contributions and missteps over the years.

In the inaugural “Swerve South Student Popup,” Jaleah Walker takes us on a captivating journey through the evolution of roller skating. Crafted as a project for Dr. Theresa Starkey’s Gender Studies 201 course, this episode delves into how roller skating has historically provided an avenue for women to challenge and transcend societal norms. From its inception in the 19th century to the adrenaline-packed realm of roller derby, Walker illuminates the role of roller skating in empowering women. Moreover, she examines the critical intersections of race and gender within this vibrant culture. The episode highlights how skate rink segregation gave rise to a unique African American skating subculture, showcasing Black skaters as pioneers of innovative styles. It also emphasizes how skate nights became a platform for Black women to showcase their individuality and resilience in the face of systemic sexism and racism. Join us for a profound exploration of how roller skating has shaped and been shaped by the struggles and triumphs of gender and race.

Welcome to Season Eight of the Swerve South podcast! Today, Jaime Harker and Theresa Starkey kick off an unprecedented season dedicated to showcasing the diverse and insightful work of students in University of Mississippi’s Gender Studies classes. This special season launches in conjunction with the 2024 Isom Student Gender Conference, highlighting critical conversations and research lead by undergraduate and graduate students alike.

Welcome to another engaging episode of Swerve South! Today, Jaime Harker is in conversation with Julie Enszer, discussing the indomitable spirit and legacy of the late poet Minnie Bruce Pratt. Journey through their personal experiences with Pratt's poetic world and reflect upon her pivotal role within feminist communities.

Welcome to this episode of Swerve South! Join Jaime and Theresa on a nostalgic journey as they discuss the recent documentary, "Judy Blume Forever." This documentary delves deep into Blume's life and the indelible mark her books left on countless young readers.

Our hosts reminisce about the pivotal role Blume's books played during their adolescence, especially growing up in conservative Christian households. The tales offered a rare understanding of their own bodies amidst an environment where such topics were often treated as taboos. Jaime and Theresa also shine a light on a key aspect of the documentary: the diverse range of writers and readers who share their experiences with Blume’s work. It's a reflection on Blume’s universal reach, transcending the narrow societal confines her books often depicted.

Though they couldn't always relate to Blume's characters, Jaime and Theresa deeply admire the documentary's insight into Blume's life. They are left pondering whether Judy Blume might ever tackle the topic of menopause—a theme still seeking its literary moment.

Welcome to Season Seven of Swerve South Podcast! In this inaugural episode, Jaime Harker and Theresa Starkey unravel a captivating discussion about the revolutionary impact of online communities on the publishing industry. They also touch upon the crucial topic of bypassing traditional gatekeepers and its implications on the literary ecosystem. But the conversation doesn't end there; listen as Jaime and Theresa delve into the Sarah Isom Center's initiatives, highlighting the challenges in addressing inequality from diverse perspectives.

What does it mean to know your body? Tune in to hear Jaime and Theresa discuss literature, feminist education, and the cultural moments that help us understand embodiment.

Tune in this week as Jaime and Operations Coordinator, Kevin Cozart, interview UM English MFA graduate and current USC Ph.D candidate, Matt Kessler, about founding Oxford’s queer scene with events like Oxford’s first drag show, Code: Pink, and Oxford Pride. While studying creative writing at UM, Kessler began to reflect on the importance of finding queer community. “Every space I went to felt so macho. There were just no queer spaces,” Kessler said. So, after meeting Isom Center Assistant Director Dr. Theresa Starkey on the balcony of a local bar, she invited him to come by the Center and talk more about his ideas for queering Oxford. It wasn’t long after that Kessler began making the connections necessary to bring his vision of queer world-making to Oxford.