Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies

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Mychal Young

Five Questions with GSWS major Mychal Young

Nov. 4, 2026

Mychal Young serves on the GSWS student advisory board

Walter Foery, who attended VCU between 1971 and 1976, cuts the ribbon on the historical marker, located on the lawn between University Student Commons and the T. Edward Temple Building. (Photo by Jonathan Haff, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

VCU unveils historical marker that honors its first LGBTQ+ student organization

Oct. 16, 2026

The marker highlights how the Gay Alliance of Students won a federal court case to be officially recognized by VCU in 1976.

Iresha Picot started a cycling group for Black women and girls in Philadelphia, and it quickly grew in popularity. She also teaches bike maintenance and bike cycling classes because she said, “I want the women to feel like cyclists.” (Contributed photo)

Meet-a-Ram: Iresha Picot makes a mark from mental health to media, from self-care to cycling

Aug. 26, 2026

The 2007 alum has established deep roots and a wide footprint in Philadelphia.

(File image)

Nearly 50 VCU faculty honored for their research and teaching

Aug. 20, 2026

The 2026 NIRA and PEIA awardees elevate VCU’s reputation and the student learning experience.

Dani Schiff

Five questions with GSWS and sociology double major Dani Schiff

April 21, 2026

Schiff is set to expand on their undergraduate education by pursuing a master’s degree in sociology after graduation

Sara Steingruber

Five questions with GSWS and sociology double major Sara Steingruber

April 21, 2026

Five questions with GSWS and sociology double major Sara Steingruber

A frowning woman in a hoodie crosses her arms, holding a wine bottle and two other items, standing outside in a backyard

2026 Oscar Reviews: 'If I Had Legs I’d Kick You'

March 10, 2026

On March 15, the 98th Academy Awards will showcase the best – and most talked-about – films of the year. Ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night, some VCU professors shared their thoughts on films that aligned with their area of expertise and will be in contention in a variety of categories.

Split header: In her new book, VCU author Olivia Landry explores 21st-century films that put into focus the challenging reality of mothering. (Contributed images)

Olivia Landry’s new book explores motherhood through the lens of modern film

Nov. 12, 2025

In ‘Cinema of Crushing Motherhood,’ the VCU professor sees a new feminist sensibility.

Kiffy Werkheiser

Kiffy Werkheiser (B.A.’07, M.S.’08) combines her passion for philanthropy with theater

Oct. 28, 2025

Werkheiser’s studies as an undergraduate in the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, and as a graduate student in the Department of Sociology laid the groundwork for a career in nonprofits and philanthropy.

Cloud Easterly, a second-year communication arts major at VCU, said the Graphic Narratives Lab fellowship was the push they needed to bring their ideas to life. Here, their character Suko poses with some sidekicks. (Contributed by Cloud Easterly)

Undergraduates flex their comics creativity in VCU’s Graphic Narratives Lab

April 24, 2025

The initial cohort of students explores visual storytelling and scholarship.