Alon Lischinsky

I teach and do research on communication, media and culture studies, where gender and sexuality issues are really central to what I do. One of my main areas of research is how people talk about sexual attraction and desire, and how that plays into our sense of who we are.

So much of my work is about giving voice to neglected queer communities that I can't even imagine doing it if I weren't out myself. Brookes has always been a welcoming space where I felt safe expressing my queerness with students and colleagues. Outside working hours I'm a peer mentor for trans folk at Spectra, a pole dancer, an occasional burlesque performer and the devoted servant of a Siberian forest cat called Nimu.

I grew up at a time when it was illegal to be open to young people about the fact that queer folk exist and are valuable and worthy members of society. Being out is a hard-won right, as well as a way to help spare others the loneliness we had to experience.

Whether you're queer, questioning or an ally, if you believe in the value of gender and sexual diversity we would love to have you with us in the LGBTQ+ Staff Forum.