Lynda Johnston

Biography

My research contributions are in the fields of feminist and queer geographies. I maintain a critical focus on inequalities and social justice at the intersection of space, place and embodied subjectivities.

For more than two decades I have: (1) adopted spatially-specific embodied, feminist, queer and trans theoretical frameworks; (2) utilised and developed a range of qualitative and participatory methodologies; (3) published evidence-based research in order to improve social cohesion and inclusion for people who are marginalised because of their gender, sexuality and ethnicity.

I have three overlapping areas of research: place, difference and inclusion; sex, gender and embodiment; and, queer, feminist and trans geographical knowledges. My research is agenda-setting for communities and scholars who mobilise around social justice and embodied difference

Education

PhD University of Waikato 1999

Areas of Research / Professional Expertise

I am Deputy Dean, Associate Dean Academic and Professor of Geography at the University of Waikato. The current Chair of the International Geographical Union Commission on Gender and Geography (2016 – 2020) and President of the New Zealand Geographical Society, I  also served as Editor for Gender, Place and Culture: A Journal of Feminist Geography.

Using critical and transformative theories, I pursue community-based research on the challenges and spatial complexities of inequalities. As  a founding member (from 2007) and co-chair of the group Hamilton Pride Incorporated I have  organised numerous community events – workshops, symposiums, art installations, panel discussions– to advocate for queer geographies of belonging.

Personal Interests

Family, friends, community, animals, food, cities and wilderness.

Books