Welcome to the Gender Studies community! We’re so happy you’re here and we want you take full advantage of the opportunities our new platform provides. Please read over the code of conduct so we can continue to ensure a safe and supportive space for all. Thank you for your dedication to the Popular Culture Association!

 

Call For Papers

 

The Gender Studies area of the Popular Culture Association explores a broad range of intersections between gender and popular culture, whether within popular culture texts or practices.

 

Topics could include, but are not limited to, the representation of gender identity and gender expression within popular culture; advertising appeals that go beyond the gender binary; the potential  of popular culture to educate audiences about diversity, equity, and inclusion; the role of gender in the Olympics and/or athletics in general; and popular culture responses to recently passed or proposed legislation related to reproductive rights, drag performances, and teaching about gender identity. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods are welcome from disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches.

 

Proposals for paper presentations require a 150-200 word abstract.

 

For a proposed panel (4 papers on a common theme or topic), individual presenters should submit an abstract of 150-200 words for their own paper, and the panel chair should contact Dr. O’Reilly to assemble the papers into a panel.

 

For a proposed roundtable (assembled conversation around a topic without formal, prepared presentations), please contact Dr. O’Reilly with your proposed topic.

 

For inquiries, contact:

Julie D. O’Reilly

Heidelberg University

310 E. Market St.

Tiffin, OH 44883

419.448.2094

joreilly@heidelberg.edu

 

 

Important Dates to Remember:

 

• Database opens for Submissions - Sept. 1, 2025
• Early Bird Registration Begins - Sept. 1, 2025
• Deadline for Paper Proposals - Nov. 30, 2025
• Travel Grant Applications Due - Dec. 15, 2025
• Early Bird Registration Ends for Presenters - Jan. 15, 2026
• Regular Registration Begins for Presenters - Jan. 16, 2026 
• Travel Grant Decisions / Notifications - Jan. 31, 2026
• Regular Registration Ends for Presenters - Feb. 15, 2026
• Late Registration Starts for Presenters - Feb. 16, 2026
• Preliminary Program draft available - Feb. 6, 2026

 

Those Presenters Not Registered by Feb. 15 Will be Dropped from the Program

 

CONFERENCE IN ATLANTA, GA - April 8-11, 2026