BEA2026: Full Schedule

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2:00pm PDT

Rainbow Chalk Rebels: Gender Identity, LGBTQ+, Body Image, and Depiction of the “Other” in the Media

Monday April 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Diversity in media representation matters. Although we’ve made great strides in the depiction of gender, LGBTQ+, ethnicity, and body type in today’s media, stereotypes still abound, and today we face new challenges heretofore unforeseen. What exactly does the future hold? This panel seeks to promote discussion of prevalent and controversial issues related to depiction of the “Other” in media, and explores how we as educators can better teach them.
Moderator: Roger Allman, Grand Valley State University
Panelists: Jennifer Rachel Billinson, Syracuse University
Victor D. Evans, Seattle University
Alexandra M. Vilela, James Madison University

Moderators

Roger Allman

Grand Valley State University

Speakers

Victor D. Evans

Associate Professor of Communication, Seattle University

Dr. Victor Evans is an Associate Professor in the Communication department at Seattle University. He has been teaching in higher education for over 20 years. Before teaching, Dr. Evans was an entertainment journalist, working with many organizations in both New York and Los Angeles... Read More →

Alexandra Vilela

James Madison University

Jennifer Billinson

Syracuse University

Monday April 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
W307

Gender & Sexuality, Research/Theory | BEA, Research/Theory | Multicultural Studies, Research/Theory

5:30pm PDT

Closing Cocktails @ ZEN Westgate Hotel & Casino

Monday April 20, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT

ZEN @ Westgate Hotel & Casino

Back by popular demand, it's time for Closing Cocktails! And we are heading back to the Westgate Hotel & Casino! Meet us at ZEN (right in front of Benihana) for a drink to celebrate BEA2026.

Monday April 20, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
ZEN @ Westgate Hotel & Casino