Stella Rutkat

Stella Rutkat is a doctoral candidate and research assistant at the Interdisciplinary Center for Gender Studies (IZG) and the Department of Gender Sociology (Department 8) within the Faculty of Sociology at Bielefeld University. Her research focuses on the socio-material and gendered dimensions of genital fluids, particularly squirting, exploring how such phenomena intersect with gender identity, bodily experiences, and societal norms.

Education includes a BA in Liberal Arts and Sciences (Culture and History) from University College Freiburg (2012–2016), an MA in Gender Studies from Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg (2016–2021), and a study visit in Women’s, Gender and Citizenship Studies at the University of Barcelona (2014–2015). Her MA thesis, 'Through the eyes of others: feelings of shame and their transformation – An ethnographic study in the context of vulva exploration workshops,' laid groundwork for her current research.

Her doctoral project examines how practices involving genital fluids shape and are shaped by gendered self-perceptions, challenging hegemonic gender norms. Ethnographic methods, including narrative interviews with trans*, non-binary, inter*, agender individuals, and queer/cis women, reveal dynamic relationships between gender experience, bodily practices, and sexual orientation. She critically engages with biomedical knowledge gaps and societal norms affecting these experiences.

No scientific awards are mentioned. Her work intersects with interdisciplinary teams like AG König within the Faculty of Sociology, contributing to debates on gender embodiment and medical discourse.