Gerson Morales is a PhD candidate in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, and a graduate minor in Latina/Latino studies. He has also been a teaching assistant for LLS 100: Introduction to Latina/Latino Studies. His research focuses on Central American and Latinx cultural studies.
Read on for a Q&A with Morales to learn more about his research.
Tell us about your research interests. Why did you decide to focus on those topics?
My research interest broadly centers on Central American and Latinx cultural studies, particularly questions of identity, memory, migration, gender and sexuality, Indigeneity, and cultural representation. I am interested in how literature, art, performance, and popular culture reflect the diverse experiences of Central Americans and Latinx, especially those that have historically been marginalized or underrepresented.
I particularly focus on Central American Studies in part because of my own connection to Central America. I was born in Guatemala, but I grew up in Northern California. Throughout my schooling, including undergrad, I did not see much of Central America represented in the curricula. There are many Central American writers, artist, and scholars that I have discovered since I started my grad school journey. My hope that is the new generations of Central Americans have access to these writers and artists and learn about their own histories and culture in the classroom.
Why did you decide to complete a graduate minor in Latina/Latino Studies?
For me, it was a given that my minor from the start was going to be Latina/Latino Studies because I wanted to do research with the Central American diaspora. The first conference I presented at as a doctoral student was Latina/o Studies Association. So, naturally I enrolled in various LLS graduate courses and really enjoyed the topics.
What is the topic of your dissertation?
The topic of my dissertation is cultural representations of the Guatemalan Civil War and its lasting impact on Guatemalan society and the diaspora. I look at how writers and artist use literature, poetry, visual art, and performance to remember and make sense of this history, particularly when parts of it have been silenced or forgotten.
Are there any other projects you’re working on?
I plan to expand my project on Latinx drag artist Lushious Massacr, whose work I have examined through her creative use of language, humor, and drag to explore queer and Latinx identity, belonging and resistance. I also plan to return to one of my earlier research projects on Blackness in Guatemala.
What do you enjoy the most about the Department of Latina/Latino Studies?
What I enjoy most about the Department of Latina/Latino Studies is the diversity of topics and perspectives, and areas of study within the department. There is always encouragement to explore and expand Latinx topics within the department, especially through the department's programming, including talks and presentations that introduce us to scholars and research from a wide range of fields.
What LLS courses have you taught and what did you enjoy about those courses?
I have taught discussion sections for LLS 100: Introduction to Latina/Latino Studies. What I really enjoyed about the course was its structure, since different faculty member' research was highlighted throughout the semester. It was a great way to introduce both students and myself to a wide range of topics related to Latinx community. I learn so much alongside the students. I especially enjoyed seeing students connect with topics we discussed and how comfortable they felt expressing their opinions and perspectives.