We always drive out to Pasadena or Santa Monica, but what about right here in LA? There’s always Griffith and Runyon, but come discover this hidden gem with us in east LA. Come join us for this short morning hike as we chat pop culture and more!
PEAK: Angels’s Point
DIFFICULTY: 1/5
SCENERY: Dodger Stadium, and sweeping views of Downtown LA
FUN FACT: Dr. Belcher’s research into the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Los Angeles has led to the discovery that the park has been a site for queer cruising, which has a long history in gay male communities.
PROFESSOR: Chris Belcher
DEPARTMENT:
American Studies
Professor Chris Belcher completed her PhD at the University of Southern California in 2016, with a dissertation titled "Backward: Queer Rurality in American Popular Culture from 1920-Present." She is currently a lecturer in American Studies and the Writing Program at USC. She is currently revising her dissertation research into a book titled "Dirty White: An Account of Queer Rural America," which takes up some of the issues we can discuss during the Peaks and Professors hike in Elysian Park: sexual practices and public space. Her research into these topics, a a broader interest in LGBTQ histories in Los Angeles, led to the discovery that the park has been a site for queer cruising, which has a long history in gay male communities. Outside the library and classroom, Dr. Belcher is an advocate for sex workers' rights (and is currently writing a book about sex work and #MeToo), and spends a lot of time in the gym and the cinema.
TRIP LEAD: Hima Rajana
Contact Hima: hrajana@usc.edu
ADDRESS: Elysian Park, Los Angeles, CA