Grace Lavery

Grace Lavery is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research and creative work interrogate the intersections of capitalism, gender, and embodiment, with a focus on the ascription of sexual meaning to flesh. She holds expertise in 19th-Century British literature, critical theory, cultural studies, and gender studies. Lavery’s scholarly monographs include *Quaint, Exquisite* (2019), *Pleasure and Efficacy* (2023), and *Closures* (2024), alongside her creative memoir *Please Miss* (2022). Her current research explores contemporary demonology and possession narratives. She frequently lectures on trans studies, queer theory, and literary form at institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, and Brown.

Her academic career includes teaching at Berkeley since 2016, focusing on courses that blend literary analysis with critical theory. Lavery’s work bridges scholarship and creative writing, examining how formal and generic frameworks shape understandings of the body. Her research often engages psychoanalysis, poststructuralism, and cultural materialism to unpack themes of identity, desire, and power.

Notable contributions include rethinking trans literature through historical figures like Christine Jorgensen and analyzing modern media’s portrayal of heterosexuality in sitcoms. Her interdisciplinary approach has led to collaborations across departments and institutions, reflecting her commitment to expanding critical discourses on gender, sexuality, and culture.