The Queer and Feminist Lecture Series focuses on the topics of gender, sexuality and health. The series also challenges masculinity and discusses the importance of male figures in the lives of young men.

This installment of the series took place on Nov. 4 with guest speaker Dr. Kurt Lindemann, professor of Communications at San Diego State University.

Lindemann introduced his work in a method of approach that is different from some of the academic work with which most people are familiar. He took his stories and experiences and turned them into a performance of his own by introducing them in the form of performative writing.

His opening performance was a piece on grief and masculinity. It contained personal childhood experiences and memories of his father as well as background on his brother leading up to his brother’s death.

Over the years, his relationship with the men in his family helped him relate to his own masculinity and gave him a better understanding of himself as a person.

Lindemann pointed out that one of the reasons that it is difficult for men to talk about their bodies is because there are no sufficient social models out there to destroy the idea that masculine men can ‘tough’ through their issues.

Lindemann hopes to spread his message and let men know that it is okay to be imperfect, to be curious and to ask questions about their bodies.