Harvard Hires Drag Performer as Visiting Professor for Unique Course

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Harvard University has appointed Kareem Khubchandani, a drag performer known as LaWhore Vagistan, as a visiting professor for its Studies of Gender and Sexuality program. Khubchandani, who is currently an associate professor at Tufts University, will teach two courses, including ‘Queer Ethnography’ in the fall and ‘RuPaulitics: Drag, Race, and Desire’ in the spring semester.

The announcement was made in July, and it highlights Harvard’s commitment to integrating unique perspectives into its academic programs. Khubchandani’s teaching incorporates elements from his drag performances, aiming to blend entertainment with education.

Khubchandani, who has over a decade of experience in drag culture, often lectures while in drag. He described his teaching approach as bringing ‘the nightclub to the classroom, and vice versa.’ His persona, LaWhore Vagistan, is both an artistic endeavor and a teaching tool.

In a 2015 interview, he explained the significance behind his stage name. ‘My name is LaWhore Vagistan, my preferred pronouns are ‘she’ or ‘aunty.’ I chose ‘LaWhore’ because my family traces its origins to Pakistan: Lahore is an important city in Pakistan, and well, I’m a bit of a w*ore,’ Khubchandani stated.

His new courses at Harvard will explore themes related to queer identity, cultural significance of drag performance, and will include hands-on activities such as attending drag events. The spring course ‘RuPaulitics’ will particularly analyze the impact of the popular show ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race.’

Khubchandani has published multiple books, including ‘Decolonize Drag’ and is set to release a new book this fall titled ‘Lessons in Drag: A Queer Manual for Academics, Artists, and Aunties.’

This appointment occurs amidst broader conversations about diversity and representation in higher education. Harvard’s decision to hire Khubchandani is seen as part of a movement to incorporate varied voices and perspectives into academic discourse. However, the university has refrained from making additional comments regarding this appointment.