Dr. Lauren Kirshner

Biography

Lauren Kirshner's creative work, research, and community-based projects explore women's experiences of gender, sexuality, mental health, work, and family through diverse storytelling forms. Her writing spans fiction, nonfiction, poetry, journalism, and memoir, with particular focus on Canadian and American fiction. Kirshner's coming-of-age novel, 'Go,' was a finalist for the City of Toronto Book Award and has been described as a strong original debut by the Globe and Mail. Her latest book, 'Sex Work in Popular Culture,' examines provocative representations of sex work in films, TV shows, and documentaries produced over the past decade, shedding light on labor, feminist theory, and activism. Kirshner's non-fiction work appears widely in popular publications, and she has received accolades for her community arts initiatives, including the 2018 Arts Bridges Award. Her dedication to teaching has been recognized with the New Faculty Teaching Award and Dean's Service Award. Kirshner teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in creative writing and mentors students through various programs, including Sister Writes, which empowers women through creative writing workshops.

Research Interests

Experience