Rachel Cleves

Rachel Cleves is a Professor of History at the University of Victoria's Faculty of Humanities. Her research focuses on American History, LGBTQ2S+ History, and the intersection of Food History and Sexuality Studies. She holds degrees from Columbia University and UC Berkeley.

Cleves explores how sexuality and culinary practices reflect societal norms across American history. Her recent work examines eroticism in food culture and queer identity formation in early America.

Her publications demonstrate consistent themes: re-examining moral boundaries through historical case studies, documenting non-traditional relationships, and analyzing cultural taboos.

Teaching includes courses on American history, sex and power dynamics, and food in world history. Her current project 'To Russia with Love' investigates espionage, sexuality, and international relations.