Isabel Waidner

Dr Isabel Waidner is an Associate Professor and Reader in Creative Writing at Queen Mary University of London's School of English and Drama. Her work bridges creative writing with cultural theory, queer/trans studies, and performance art. She is the award-winning author of novels like Corey Fah Does Social Mobility and Sterling Karat Gold, recognized with the Goldsmiths Prize 2021. Her research explores interdisciplinary narratives, intersectionality, and the intersection of literature with visual/performative arts.

Research Interests:

• Queer/trans writing and intersectionality
• Creative-critical writing and performance
• Avant-garde literary practices
• Social mobility and class critique

Awards:

• Goldsmiths Prize 2021 (Sterling Karat Gold)
• Shortlisted: Orwell Prize for Political Fiction (2022), Republic of Consciousness Prize (2018, 2020, 2022)

Public Engagement: Co-founder of Queers Read This, a platform for LGBTQI+ writers, and curator of This Isn’t a Dream, an online literary talk series. Regular speaker at Oxford, Cambridge, and literary festivals like Edinburgh International Book Festival.