Reagan Yessler

I study the ways that place affects the performance of gender and sexuality. In my master’s thesis I studied how the Globe Theatre in London leveraged its historical and cultural weight to influence the way we think not only about Shakespeare, but also about gender roles and racial stereotypes. Continuing in this vein, my dissertation study analyzes the ways that cosplay, or costume play, allow for individuals to explore their own gender identity, experiment with non-heterosexual behaviors, and challenge colonial racial stereotypes. My area of study is the Yamacon Anime Convention in Pigeon Forge Tennessee, although my research touches on other local conventions and fairs.