Benjamin Zender

Benjamin Zender is a multidisciplinary researcher and educator at Sarah Lawrence College (SLC), serving as a Public Humanities Fellow since 2023. Their work focuses on queer, trans, and women of color archivists, examining how marginalized communities construct knowledge through grassroots archives. Zender collaborates with the Yonkers Public Library to develop public workshops, exhibits, and events as part of their fellowship.

Educational background: BA from Syracuse University, MA from University of Massachusetts and Northwestern University, and PhD from Northwestern University.

Teaching focuses on Black Feminist and Queer of Color Theory, LGBTQ+ studies, and public humanities practices. Courses include 'Queering the Library' and 'Public Humanities in Practice.' Research emphasizes libraries/museums as sites of resistance and community-building for marginalized groups.