Harvard Appoints Drag Queen ‘LaWhore Vagistan’ as Visiting Professor
Harvard University has announced the appointment of drag performer Kareem Khubchandani, known as “LaWhore Vagistan,” as a visiting professor. Khubchandani’s classes will explore themes related to drag culture and queer studies.
Kareem Khubchandani: A Unique Academic Perspective
Khubchandani is associated with the Tufts University Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies department. In his role at Harvard, he will teach two courses: “Queer Ethnography” in the fall and “RuPaulitics: Drag, Race, and Desire” in the spring semester. The latter course centers around the popular TV show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Background and Persona
The persona of LaWhore Vagistan plays a significant role in Khubchandani’s educational approach. He integrates this identity into his teaching to provide a unique perspective on gender and sexuality. Khubchandani has been performing under this name for over a decade and has even released a music video titled “Sari.”
- Name: Kareem Khubchandani
- Stage Name: LaWhore Vagistan
- Institution: Harvard University (Visiting Professor), Tufts University
- Courses:
- Queer Ethnography (Fall)
- RuPaulitics: Drag, Race, and Desire (Spring)
- Books:
- Decolonizer Drag
- Ishstyle: Accenting Gay Indian Nightlife
- Lessons in Drag: A Queer Manual for Academics, Artists, and Aunties (upcoming)
Institutional Context
This announcement comes shortly after a significant development where President Trump unfroze $2.4 billion in federal grants to Harvard. These grants are tied to an agreement for the university to operate a new series of trade schools. Despite inquiries, Harvard has not made any official comment regarding this development.
Khubchandani’s appointment reflects a growing trend in academic institutions to embrace diverse perspectives in the study of gender and sexuality. His classes are expected to encourage critical discussions surrounding the intersection of performance art and social issues.
