Geraldine Fela

Geraldine Fela is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of History and Archaeology at Macquarie University, affiliated with the School of Humanities. Her work focuses on histories of gender, sexuality, labor, and medicine, particularly examining Australia's HIV/AIDS crisis and the role of nurses during this period. She is currently leading a project on the 1998 waterfront dispute between Patrick Stevedores and the Maritime Union of Australia.

Her research interests include queer labor movements, oral history methodologies, and Indigenous health responses to epidemics. Fela has been widely recognized for her groundbreaking work on nurses' contributions during the AIDS crisis, blending academic rigor with public engagement through media appearances and publications in both scholarly and popular outlets.

Recent projects highlight her multidisciplinary approach, combining historical analysis with social activism. Her book Critical Care: Nurses on the Frontline of Australia's AIDS Crisis (2024) and peer-reviewed articles underscore her expertise in medical history and social justice. Fela’s work often intersects with national identity, labor rights, and marginalized communities' experiences.

Her research outputs span from 2017 to 2025, reflecting sustained contributions to fields like queer theory, labor history, and public health. Fela’s media engagements include expert commentary on industrial disputes and LGBTQ+ history, amplifying academic discourse into public consciousness.