My current research project at CSEAS is titled “Queer ecofeminism in Southeast Asia.” Like a favorite dish, it has my favorite ingredients; gender, ecology, and religion. I am excited about exploring the connection between those who care for the sustainability of the earth and those who respect the diversity of genders, and who do so from their various faith traditions of Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism, and so on.

The research focuses on the intersection of climate justice and gender justice. These are the two broad themes. Climate justice includes the awareness that some are more disproportionately affected by climate change and that efforts to address this must be human-centered, working from the margins as this is where the poor and vulnerable are. Gender justice is directed at those who are marginalized (e.g., treated poorly in their own homes, bullied at schools, harassed in the streets and at workplaces, etc.) on account of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics. 

I find the research not only interesting, indeed fascinating, but also inspiring and healing. Much of the world is focused on realizing the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. But there are many whose everyday living is connected to the earth, as they not only live sustainably, but also ethically toward each other. Related readings lead us to further inspiration in practices of veganism, defending animal rights, and others.

It is less of a with difficulty than it is a challenge to weave together the key materials gathered. These include what experts have previously discovered (literature review), your own data (e.g., in-depth interviews and statistics), and how you make sense or interpret the data (data analysis). The last process is especially important, as you want to privilege how your research subjects make sense of their own lived realities. As a full-time academic, it is often difficult to find the time and space to delve into research as one does as a PhD student. This time at CSEAS is highly treasured as I am on sabbatical (study leave).

I consider meeting “heavy weights” such as the feminist theologians Elisabeth S. Fiorenza and Kwok Pui Lan in the flesh as highlights.

When I encountered a group of women theologians who are both feminist and Catholic, and living in Asia, I felt like I had come home. We are called the Ecclesia of Women in Asia. Once every two years, we organize an international conference and selected papers are published. The publications address an important gap in literature, i.e., the lack of feminist theological voices from Asia. These feminists, women like me, continue to inspire me.

To me, an ideal researcher is someone who continues to have a sense of awe and wonder at the world around us. And quite importantly, they have a strong sense of social justice. This is the type of research that I have come to find more worthwhile in my own journey in moving from dead poets (as a student of English Literature) to living narratives (as a scholar of gender and religious studies).

My recording device and umbrella. I never leave home without the latter!