Psychoanalysis In Conversation with LGBTQ Civil Rights and the Politics of Identity

Join Us for a Powerful Conversation in Our Distinguished Speakers Series

We’re thrilled to welcome you to the next installment of our Distinguished Speakers Series, a program known for delivering incredibly high-value content, thought leadership, and meaningful dialogue.

In honor of PRIDE, we’re hosting a compelling conversation with two luminaries in queer theory and psychoanalysis. Dr. Grace Lavery, literary scholar and writer, and Dr. Julie Leavitt, psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, will explore the intersections of psychoanalytic theory, trans and LGBTQ experiences, and today’s sociopolitical climate. This promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking event that invites reflection, learning, and community connection.

About the Speakers

Dr. Grace Lavery
A scholar of Lacanian critical theory, Dr. Lavery examines trans realism and psychoanalysis through a cultural lens. Her work argues that transsexual individuals are often perceived as being “possessed” by a differently sexed figure, a framing that contributes to their exclusion from civil rights protections afforded to gay and lesbian communities.

Dr. Julie Leavitt
Known for her provocative and imaginative approach, Dr. Leavitt brings a queer lens to psychoanalysis. She invites us to consider what it means to be “a subversive rebel of the popular order,” and her current work explores themes such as geographic palimpsests, ghosts, intuition, and reimagining fe/male sexuality.

Inclusive Pricing: Pay What You Can

To ensure this experience is accessible to all, we’re offering inclusive pricing—a pay-what-you-can option designed to remove financial barriers and welcome broader participation. While we have standard registration fees based on membership levels, we understand that cost can be a challenge for some. Inclusive pricing allows individuals to contribute what they’re able, ensuring that no one is excluded from this enriching opportunity. This model reflects our commitment to equity, inclusion, and community, and we hope it encourages everyone to join us for this exceptional event.