SFU Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies

Congratulations to all of our GSWS grads! We are so proud of you. Thanks for visiting our reception today with your friends and family.

What did the GSWS Feminist Book Club think of "Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro?

While the club had issues with the novel’s world-building and plotline, these “gaps fueled an outstanding 5/5 discussion as we debated themes of morality and the book's overall context.”

Full review of June's selection: https://www.sfu.ca/gsws/community/gsws-feminist-book-club/2026/gsws-feminist-book-club-june-2026.html

New at the GSWS Student Blog: "The Craziest Cat Lady of All: Catwoman" By Alexa Elwood.

"While Catwoman is portrayed as a villain, a feminist lens can reinterpret her as an antihero—where Selina Kyle’s transition into the 'crazy cat lady' solidifies her space within a community of cats external to heteropatriarchy."

Full blog post: https://www.sfu.ca/gsws/community/student-blog/2026/elwood-catwoman.html

Pursuing a joint major in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies (GSWS) and Political Science at Simon Fraser University empowered Avleen Kaur Chawla (BA, 2026) to build the skillset and self-confidence she needs as an aspiring law student.

While she entered university eager to delve into government and politics, Chawla quickly discovered an unexpected passion for GSWS through exploring the course options available to first-year students. “I took a GSWS course, just to try something new, and I quickly realized that this was the lens I was missing,” she recalls.

“Looking back at the past four years at SFU, I have changed a lot,” she reflects on her personal growth. “Many of my best experiences came because I tried something outside my comfort zone, such as public speaking or attending an event by myself."

Chawla says her parents encouraged her to believe in her own capabilities. Inspired by working at her family’s business, Chawla plans to soon launch her own entrepreneurial venture, which will provide a curated selection of wall murals printed on canvas.

While starting her new company, Chawla is also preparing to continue her education this fall. “Throughout my journey, I have learned about systems, power, and justice,” Chawla explains of how her two majors have prepared her for this pivotal moment. “Starting law school feels like a natural next step.”

Read the full story: https://www.sfu.ca/gsws/news-events/news/2026/chawla-alumni.html

SFU Alumni

Surrey Pride Rainbow Seniors' Program presents the wonderful QUIRKes - it is free and open to all ages

We know Pride during the summer months is a time when 2SLGBTQIA+ communities are more visible and celebrated. It is also an important moment to honour the historical and ongoing contributions of Black q***r and trans communities of color to q***r liberation and to Pride itself, work that has shaped, sustained, and advanced movements for justice, visibility, and belonging.

At the SVSPO, we are committed to listening to and learning from 2SLGBTQIA+ voices, and to keep co-creating spaces where q***r and trans communities are seen, heard, and valued in our community.

Join fellow members of SFU’s 2SLGBTQIA+ alumni community on June 25 in Vancouver for an uplifting evening filled with conversation, celebration, and new (and familiar) faces. Details: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sfu-alumni-friends-pride-social-tickets-1987866564406

Join Alex, the 2SLGBTQIA+ Counsellor at SFU Health & Counselling, at the 2SLGBTQIA+ Student Support Group! A supportive space for 2SLGBTQIA+ students to connect, share, and support one another.

Register by emailing Alex at [email protected], Link or room number provided upon registration.

Summer 2026 Schedule:
Tuesday, June 9: Identity and Self-Understanding, 1130am-1230pm, online (Zoom)
Tuesday, July 7: Building a Support System With Chosen Family, 1130am-1230pm, SFU Burnaby campus
Tuesday, August 4: Navigating Relationships, 1130am-1230pm, SFU Burnaby campus

More details here: https://www.sfu.ca/students/health/support-resources/group-support/2SLGBTQIA.html

***rCounselling ***rSupport

Join SFSS Out on Campus and SFU Library in celebration and appreciation of researchers at SFU who are members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and/or work on 2SLGBTQIA+ specific topics! Three student researchers (one undergraduate, one Master’s, and one PhD student) and one faculty member will present their exciting and vital work. The Trans Equity Pod (as part of the SFU EDI Office) will also unveil their new zine for 2SLGBTQIA+ community at SFU - “Impossible Lives”! Lastly, we will have folks from Special Collections and Rare Books, The SFU Office for Research and Innovation, and SFU Q***r Collective tabling and showcasing their amazing work for the community.

Wednesday, June 17, 3-6PM, on SFU Burnaby campus (exact location will be shared upon registration!)

We invite everyone who cares about research and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, everyone who is interested in learning more about current research projects at SFU, and everyone who is curious how they might start or advance their research pathway!

Please RSVP via Eventbrite (link in bio!) or by emailing Constantin at [email protected] your name for the RSVP and any access needs you have.

***rResearch

Join Alex and Sarah from SFU Health & Counselling for a 2SLGBTQIA+ Student Support Group's session on Identity and Self-Understanding!

The 2SLGBTQIA+ Student Support Group offers a supportive space for 2SLGBTQIA+ students to connect, share, and support one another. Reflect on identity, expression, and belonging, while connecting with others navigating similar questions. Share what feels comfortable and participate at a pace that works for you.

Tuesday, June 9, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, online, register through emailing Alex at [email protected]

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