Project WISE

Over the course of the last century, the expectations and possibilities for women have dramatically changed in the United States (USA), with young women today granted unprecedented access to education, economic independence, and sexual freedoms. Further still, as trans women become better represented and more visible, narrow cultural definitions of womanhood are broadening rapidly. Yet, traditional ideas of gender and sexuality remain daily realities in the lives of many women. Seeking to examine young women’s experiences today, the WISE Project (Women's Identities, Sexualities, and Experiences) explores how women think about what it means to be a woman and have desire as a woman. Through in-depth interviews, we hope to capture the diverse realities of young women’s lives and experiences, specifically, seeking to represent the voices of women of color, and trans, queer, bisexual, and lesbian women.

Tell your story: Currently we are recruiting trans women ages 18-35 to participate in in-depth interviews. If you are interested in sharing your experiences or learning more about the project contact wise@ucsc.edu.

For more information about the project please contact: Zeneva Schindler, Project Director, at wise@ucsc.edu or at (510) 497-1872.