Alicia Gaspar De Alba

Alicia Gaspar de Alba is a Chicana writer, scholar, and activist, holding the rank of Professor in Chicana/o Studies, English, and Gender Studies at UCLA. She was a founding faculty member of the César E. Chávez Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies (1994) and served as its Chair (2007–2010), later leading UCLA’s LGBT Studies Program. Her interdisciplinary work bridges creative writing and academic research, focusing on feminist theory, queer studies, and social justice.

Education: Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of New Mexico. Her research examines gender stereotypes, historical narratives of marginalized women, and intersectional identities. Key publications include award-winning novels like Sor Juana’s Second Dream (1999) and Desert Blood: The Juárez Murders (2005), alongside scholarly works such as Un[framing] the 'Bad Woman' (2014).

Her creative works have been translated into multiple languages and adapted into film, opera, and theater. A vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and feminist causes, she has received accolades including the AAHE Book Award and the 2014 Literary Legacy Award.

Gaspar de Alba’s academic service includes administrative leadership and mentorship of graduate students. She has directed research initiatives on femicide in Juárez and co-authored anthologies on Chicana/o sexualities and cultural politics. Her blog and websites (www.aliciagaspardealba.net) highlight her dual role as scholar and artist.