Amy E. Alterman

Amy E. Alterman

Ph.D. in Culture and Performance

About

I am a feminist ethnographer engaged in critical interdisciplinary research at the intersection of performance and sexual health. I summon the literature and methods of gender studies, performance studies, (medical) anthropology, and public health to examine inequities in reproductive health and to identify potential strategies.

I focus on how activists use the performing arts, paying particular attention to humor, to destigmatize taboo health topics and advocate for social justice.

I believe the university classroom is a key site for feminist praxis. My pedagogy seeks to apply feminist theory to students’ lived experiences. To achieve this, I emphasize concepts such as community building and reciprocal learning through arts-based activities. Based on my multi-disciplinary training and research background, I am equipped to teach courses on gender and performance, gender and health, as well as LGBTQ studies and health.

Areas of Interest

Sexual & reproductive health & rights, reproductive governance, reproductive justice, abortion, contraception, sex education, LGBTQ health & rights, arts activism, health access & equity, feminist ethnography, feminist mixed methods, and Medical Anthropology.

Education

  • Ph.D Candidate, Culture and Performance, University of California Los Angeles
  • M.P.H, Community Health Sciences, Bixby Population and Reproductive Health Certificate, University of California Los Angeles
  • B.A., Gender Studies & Folklore, Indiana University Bloomington