معرفی
Rachel Mesch is a Professor of French in the Department of Romance Studies at Boston University. Her research focuses on 19th-century French literature, queer/trans histories, women writers, and media history. She holds a BA from Yale College, an MA from Columbia University, and a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania.
Her major works include *The Hysteric’s Revenge* (2006), *Having It All in the Belle Epoque* (2013), and *Before Trans* (2020), which explores gender diversity in 19th-century France. These books have garnered awards such as the NEH Public Scholar fellowship and a silver medal from the Independent Publishers Association.
Mesch has appeared on podcasts like *Pandemonium U* and *New Books in French Studies*. She co-founded the *NCFS Unbound* book series and serves on the Lever Press Re-Editions advisory council, promoting marginalized voices in scholarship.
Her research emphasizes reconstructing gender narratives through literature and visual culture, challenging traditional historical frameworks. Recent work examines figures like Jane Dieulafoy and Rachilde, highlighting their contributions to gender fluidity and authorship.
Awards include recognition for *Before Trans* and sustained contributions to queer historiography. She actively engages in public scholarship through media interviews and academic leadership roles.
