The LGBT Center at Ohio University invites graduate students at all levels of study to submit presentation proposals to its First Annual Queer Studies Conference to be held April 18-19 in Athens, Ohio. We invite proposals that span the spectrum of Queer Studies from various fields of inquiry, including the creative and performing arts. This conference is an excellent opportunity for students from the region to present their work, create community, and facilitate collaboration.

This conference will feature a keynote speaker, Dr. Carol Mason from the University of Kentucky, who will speak on "What's This Cow Doing in My Queer Theory? An Inquiry into the Limits of Studying The Rural Queer." The keynote will be held on Thursday, April 18th, at 7pm.Panel presentations will take place on Friday, April 19th, concluding with a plenary and reception in the early evening.

Paper proposals should be no more than 300 words and list presenter's name, field of study, and institutional affiliation.

Proposals should be sent to:

Susanne B. Dietzel, Ph.D. at dietzel@ohio.edu.

Deadline for submitting proposals is Feb. 15, 2013.

If selected, participants should submit their finished presentations, along with a $25 registration fee, by April 5, 2013.

Complimentary continental breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres will be served. Limited housing opportunities may be available.

Ohio University is located in southeast Ohio and within easy driving distance from major regional universities. For more information, please go to www.ohio.edu/athens/travel.

The OU LGBT Center is one of the oldest centers of its kind in the state and serves students, faculty, and staff through education, services, and advocacy.