Making Minnesota

Join author Dr. René Esparza (‘17 Ph.D., American Studies) for a presentation from his book, “From Vice to Nice: Midwestern Politics and the Gentrification of AIDS,” followed by a conversation moderated by Dr. Elliott Powell (Associate Professor of American Studies). This program marks the first event in the new Making Minnesota series hosted by the College of Liberal Arts.

This evening of critical dialogue explores the intersection of race, sexuality, public health and urban politics in the Twin Cities. Dr. Esparza will share excerpts detailing how Midwestern political strategies and homonormative activism weaponized the AIDS epidemic to reshape local urban landscapes. Following the reading, Dr. Powell will join Dr. Esparza to examine how these historical intersections of race and sexuality inform contemporary struggles for spatial and health justice, concluding with an audience Q&A.

This event is part of Making Minnesota, a periodic event series focused on the Twin Cities region where the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) is situated and the state of Minnesota as a whole. The series will feature new books by CLA alumni or faculty highlighting issues and communities locally and across the state that influence and anchor the University of Minnesota. Making Minnesota will draw scholars into conversation with our neighbors about the past, present and future of the Twin Cities and our state.

UMN Conversations at Northrop is a collection of lectures, panel discussions and other conversations focused on important and timely issues presented in collaboration among numerous University of Minnesota departments and held at Northrop.