Stevie Leigh

Bachelor of Arts: Drury University Springfield, MO, 2020 (Strategic Communication Minors in Writing and Women & Gender Studies)

My research interests are at the intersection of sexuality studies and fan studies. My current project challenges the misogynist infantilization and pathologizing of femme fans and the heteronormative stereotyping of boy band fandom by centering queer women and non-binary fans of One Direction and Harry Styles and their coming-of-age experiences. Taking a feminist approach to the study of this fan culture, my project gives voice to the lived experiences of marginalized fans who have exercised agency and creativity in their fan-affiliated sexual identity development. Through a series of virtual surveys and semi-structured interviews, this project validates the diverse ways fans navigate processes of sexual self-discovery and identity construction alongside fan affiliation. Additionally, it works to de-stigmatize non-normative, or “queer,” coming-of-age experiences and reframe boy band fans as intelligent, autonomous knowers and creators.

08-2020 - Graduate Assistant for the Audre Lorde Social Justice House, University of Cincinnati, Department of Resident Education and Development

Peer Reviewed Publications

Stevie Leigh (2020. ) Fan Fiction as a Valuable Literacy Practice.Transformative Works and Cultures, , 34 ,

Fan Fiction as a Valuable Literacy Practice

Paper Presentations

Stevie Leigh (2019. ) Gendered Expressions and Queer Perceptions: (De)coding the Music of Freddie Mercury and Harry Styles .Missouri State University. Other Institution. Level:University

Stevie Leigh (2021. ) Queering the Beatles and Coming Out as 'Fan': The Remediation of Queer Narratives in Danny Boyle's Yesterday .Virtual. Conference. Level:International