Ashley Currier

Ashley Currier is an Associate Professor and Department Head of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Cincinnati. Previously, she held roles as Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University (2007–2014) and Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati (2014–present). She earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh (2007), alongside M.A. degrees in Sociology and English, and a B.A. in English & Spanish from the University of Oklahoma.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Sociology, University of Pittsburgh (2007)
• M.A. in Sociology, University of Pittsburgh (2003)
• M.A. in English, University of Pittsburgh (2001)
• B.A. (summa cum laude) in English & Spanish, University of Oklahoma (1998)

Research Interests: Currier’s work focuses on LGBT organizing in Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, and South Africa, with an emphasis on political homophobia, queer studies, postcolonialism, and transnational activism. She explores how colonial legacies shape LGBTQ+ rights struggles and how grassroots movements navigate religious and state opposition.

Articles Trends: Her publications analyze homophobia in African contexts, queer-feminist frameworks, and the intersection of sexuality with colonialism and civil society. Recent work examines religious resistance to LGBTQ+ rights in post-conflict Liberia and transgender invisibility in Namibian/South African movements.

Awards:

• LGBT Studies Book Award Finalist (Lambda Literary Awards, 2013)
• American Sociological Association Sex and Gender Distinguished Article Award (2013)
• Teaching Excellence Award (University of Pittsburgh, 2003)

Grants & Advising: Currier has secured over 30 grants, including a National Science Foundation grant (2006–2007) and an American Association of University Women Fellowship (2013–2014). She mentors students in queer African studies and has advised on projects linking public health and gender diversity activism in Malawi.

Labs/Teams: Her research involves collaborations with international scholars on African LGBTQ+ archives and digital strategies for activism. She co-coordinates the Queer African Studies Association and chairs the ASA LGBTQ+ committee.