Hi. I'm Andrea Houston,
Instructor of NNS 410:
Queer Media at Ryerson
School of Journalism.
Queer Media is a new course
offered to all Ryerson
fourth-year students.
You certainly don't have to
be a journalism student
to enroll.
In fact, this course
would benefit students
in any career that engages
and interacts with the public -
especially marginalized
communities, because LGBTQ
people are everywhere.
For journalists, however,
this course will give you
the history, the language,
and the understanding
to cover Queer and Trans
issues with respect
and sensitivity.
It's part journalism course,
part history class,
and part cultural critique.
Queer Media examines the
rapidly changing landscape of
international queer rights
through the lens of media.
We will explore queerness
as identity, as
intersectional politic, as
propoganda, and as a
powerful instrument of change.
From Stonewall to the
Orlando massacre this summer,
LGBTQ identity has seen
extraordinary change.
What role has the media played
in this shift?
How has queerness
been represented, erased,
or exploited by media?
Has the media done enough
to keep homophobic
governments accountable?
Each class, we will turn back
the clock to examine
a different queer struggle,
often through the eyes of
the journalists and activists
themselves.
For journalists especially,
following and understanding
social movements is
critically important.
That's where change happens.
So, consider taking Queer Media.
and learn how this powerful,
glorious, and resilient community
continues to stand up,
fight back,
in an international
movement for human rights
that is far from over.
I hope to see you in class.