I am drawn to the unique experiences of gender non-conforming groups within their own cultures and societies throughout history, especially in relations to gendered expectations. I have explored this topic in both my undergraduate research and my mater’s thesis. Specifically, I examined the changing ideals of morality in Victorian England and how concepts of masculinity were closely linked to the success or decline of the British Empire. By studying the social treatment of sodomy as it shifted from a sensational event reported in expanded detail to a fearful crime, it was possible to highlight the connection between criminalization and changing norms of masculinity and sexuality.

My master’s thesis expanded on this topic and examined the role of ‘militarized masculinity’ during the height of the British Empire as a way to understand the increase in prosecutions of sodomy in the 1880s and 1890s in London. I argue that the concern for protecting the empire as a militarizing force upon society impacted ideals of masculinity for all men, regardless of military or civilian status. My work, which argues that fears and ideals of empire impacted these concerns, contributes to a broader understanding of the intersectionality between social controls of gender and gender as performance. This research thus highlights the legal and social roots of current views towards and treatment of non-normative gendered individuals and groups. 

My current project focuses on the spy scandals during the Cold War in Britain. I focus the connections between espionage and homosexuality, with particular attention to the ways in which the media shaped discussions around queer men who were spies for the KGB.

Kelehan, Kristina. “A Love That Dare Not Speak: Empire’s Impact on Sodomy Persecutions in Victorian London.” Western CEDAR. https://cedar.wwu.edu/wwuet/1104/.

Teaching Associate:

HIST 141B – 20th Century British History (Summer A, 2024)

Teaching Assistant:

HIST 74 – Poverty, Inequality, and Social Justice (Fall 2024)

HIST 4C – Modern Europe (Spring 2024)

HIST 4B – Medieval Europe (Winter 2024)

HIST 4A – Global Rome (Fall 2023)

Ken Mouré and Sara Norquay Graduate Student Award, 2023-2024