Watch microLecture by CC Prof Named to Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation

It’s not every day that a local professor gets named to the research advisory board of a foundation created by, arguably, the biggest pop star in the world. Such is life for CJ Pascoe, assistant professor of sociology at Colorado College.

Congratulations to Ms. Pascoe for the great honor! Above you can watch her microLECTURE on the the roots of bullying, masculinity, “the spectre of the fag” and its relationship with the enforcement of masculine stereotypes in young men and boys that will shed light on her distinct qualifications. Below you can read the press release:

Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation has appointed C.J. Pascoe, CC assistant professor of sociology, to its newly created research advisory board.

The board is made up of seven scholars from a variety of disciplines who will advise the foundation based on “sound theory and research,” according to an announcement from the foundation. The non-profit charitable foundation is dedicated to helping young people develop skills, opportunities, and resources, as it addresses issues such as self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring, and career development.

“It’s rare that sociologists – we’re cultural critics – get to participate in positive social change and use research to do it,” Pascoe said. The only sociologist on the research board, Pascoe will take part in a study of the foundation’s “Born Brave Nation” program, which is made up of local, youth-led groups of supporters who want to build a better world at home, in schools, and in their communities.

The Born This Way Foundation, begun in 2011 by the pop star and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, is “dedicated to creating a safe community where individuality is celebrated by connecting youth with the skills, resources and opportunities they need to build a braver, kinder world,” according to the foundation. Its website is www.bornthiswayfoundation.org

Pascoe took part in a summit meeting for the foundation in Boston earlier this year, in which several hundred scholars brainstormed ways to bring about change. “We want this grounded in academic research,” Pascoe said. “What enables youth to be empowered, to make changes in the world?”

Pascoe studies gender, sexuality, inequality, youth, and new media. She is the author of “Dude, You’re a Fag: Masculinity and Sexuality in High School” (University of California Press).