Singles are the fastest-growing demographic in many countries. As a result, single people’s lives are now shaped by competing narratives that offer curious, concerned, hopeful, or even bleak predictions about what the cultural and demographic shift in singlehood might mean. In this talk, I explore these various interpretations of singlehood in a changing world - from cat ladies to incels.

Masculinity has become a cultural buzzword in the zeitgeist. Activists, scholars, and influencers are fighting about what it means to be masculine and who has the right to embody it. While some hold onto stereotypical views that define masculinity in rigid terms, others strive to expand our understanding of different masculinities. In this talk, I examine key myths of masculinity and invite you to reflect on what it means to be masculine, and why performance plays such a central role—whether in drag, in the bedroom, or on the football field.

When talking about consent, many people envision a negotiation between two individuals about whether or not to engage in sex. However, the reality is far more complex. Body language, social norms, stereotypes, alcohol, and other substances can all shape our ability to communicate and interpret boundaries. Even more surprisingly, friends often play a crucial role in these consent negotiations – especially for young people. Join this talk to uncover why.

Everyone seems to be talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) these days—whether it’s because they want to teach it or because they want to ban it. But what exactly is DEI? And what should educators know before stepping into the world of DEI training? Who is qualified to teach what, and how do you navigate the delicate balance of creating space for dialogue while ensuring psychological safety? There are no easy answers, but this is a good place to start.

Our brains often rely on autopilot to prevent us from becoming overwhelmed. Unfortunately, this means that we’re not always mindful of our own preconceived biases or our reactions to those we perceive as different from ourselves. That’s why we need to actively work towards creating inclusive communities. But where do we begin, and how can we foster inclusivity in our everyday lives?

Alcohol use has always been interwoven with social norms and stereotypes. While alcohol may not have a gender in itself, drinking is most definitely a way to do gender. In fact, gender is central to how and why we drink, as well as to how we ascribe meaning to alcohol use. If you want to know more about the gendering of alcohol, and how it weaves together a history of cultural struggles, this talk is for you.