Exterior at night

The Center at night

Side Entrance

The entrance of the CSGS

Heather Love audience

The audience listens as Lauren Berlant introduces Heather Love in 2014

Class discussion

Students participate in a classroom discussion at the Center

Héctor Carrillo

Héctor Carrillo talks with students after his book talk in 2018

Joan Scott

Joan Scott speaking at the Center in 2017

panel

Students listen to panelists present in 2017

Community room

The Community Room at 5733 S University

center door

Center entrance

5733 exterior

The exterior of 5733 S University

Bhanu Kapil

Poet Bhanu Kapil at the Center in 2016

Alternate Realities and Virtual Worlds

This project will be organized around using games, science fiction and virtual worlds to open up conversations about gender, and sexualities. In the last several years, experimental and indie video games, as well as analog genres such as tabletop and live-action role-playing games, have emerged as a novel means for engaging with issues such as depression, transgender identities, anxiety, addiction, transgender and queer identities, homophobia, and sexual violence. In this project, we will invite undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty to participate in a series of events that focus on play as a form of inquiry into questions of world-building and negotiating social difference.

Upcoming Events

  • Jan 17: D&D Curious?
    Ever wonder what its like to be an orc? Join the Alternate Realities & Virtual Worlds series as we play Dungeons & Drgaons, the original role-playing game. This is an introduction for those who might not have had a chance to learn this game as kids, and to play with thoughtful and friendly folks. We'll play, and talk about what it means to imagine yourself as something else.
  • Jan 31: Players Wanted, DMs Needed
    This is the second in our series of role-playing nights, and we invite you back to adventure again. In the last session players created characters and were introduced to our world, now we will bring those characters to life in an adventure. We have character sheets ready for those of you who couldn't make the first event. If you've never roleplayed before, we want to show you the ropes!
  • Feb 14th: Critical Failure, Critical Success
    The third event in our roleplaying series, in this game night we will try out several recent and independely produced roleplaying games that deal with gender and sexuality. Play as a guide for Bluebeard's Wife, form a queer utopian commune, conspire to bring together two renaissance princes. All this and more!