Rhea Ashley Hoskin

Rhea Ashley Hoskin is an Adjunct Assistant Professor and interdisciplinary feminist sociologist at the University of Waterloo, affiliated with the Department of Sexualities, Relationships, and Families and the Department of Sociology and Legal Studies. She holds postdoctoral fellowships from SSHRC, AMTD Global Talent, and Ontario Women’s Health. Her research focuses on Critical Femininities, Femme Theory, and femmephobia, examining how femininity intersects with oppression, violence, and social structures.

Education: PhD (Feminist Sociology, Queen’s University), MA (Gender Studies, Queen’s University), BAH (Sociology & Gender Studies, Trent University).

Research Interests
Rhea’s work critiques anti-feminine biases and explores how gender norms impact LGBTQ+ communities. She has pioneered femme theory as a lens to analyze family structures, popular culture, and pedagogy. Her research emphasizes intersectionality, linking femininity to fat studies, queer theory, and disability studies.

Publications & Awards
Her over 30 peer-reviewed articles include landmark studies on femmephobia and gender binaries. She has authored/co-edited books like Critical Femininities and Feminizing Theory. Awards include the Governor General’s Gold Medal and the Cat Pausé Best Article Award.

Grants & Service
Key grants include SSHRC Insight Development Grants and partnership funds. She co-founded LGBTQ Psychology Canada and the Journal of Femininities. Her service roles span editorial boards (e.g., Psychology & Sexuality) and conference leadership (e.g., Preaching to the Choir).

Teaching & Mentorship
Courses include LGBTQ Psychology and Femme Theory. She mentors students in sociology, gender studies, and queer theory, emphasizing critical femininities and intersectional approaches.