Professor Dr. Karen Tongson

Biography

Karen Tongson is an esteemed Professor of English, Gender Studies, and American Studies at the University of Southern California, where she chairs the Department of Gender and Sexuality Studies. Her research interests are diverse, focusing on Queer and Gender Studies, Minority Discourse, and Popular Culture, among others. Tongson is a recognized author, best known for her works including 'Normporn: Queer Viewers TV Soothes' (2023) and 'Why Karen Carpenter Matters' (2019), which was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award. She has also contributed to several significant publications such as 'Relocations: Queer Suburban Imaginaries' and 'Migrant Musicians: Filipino Entertainers Work of Music Making.' In addition to her academic roles, she has held prestigious positions in various international institutions and has been involved in numerous community and professional organizations aimed at promoting LGBTQIA+ rights. Tongson has also served on editorial boards for respected journals and has organized several influential conferences in her field.

Research Interests

Experience