Isaac Suarez Flint

Name/Pronouns: Isaac Suarez Flint (he/him/his)

Major: American Studies

Mentor:  Dr. Francisco Galarte (Department of American Studies & Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program)

Current Research Title: Toward a Trans Archive of New Mexico

Project Description:  What is archived of transgender history in New Mexico is geographically scattered, difficult to access, and follows narratives constructed around institutional legibility. This project therefore analyzes representations of “transgender” in New Mexico’s institutional archives through a lens of critical archival theory and trans of color critique. Beyond this project, my work ultimately aims to increase the accessibility of regional trans histories and offer the tools for trans people in New Mexico to archive their own experiences.

When, how, why you got involved in research: My research journey began in 2023 after I emailed a project lead at Northwestern University’s Institute for Gender and Sexual Minority Health (ISGMH). I wanted to help combat anti-trans legislation and support other trans youth, and while I didn’t know much about research at the time, I knew that ISGMH’s work aligned with my values and goals. I ended up serving as an ISGMH research assistant on the Chicago Area Trans Survey (CATS) and Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) that summer. My ISGMH research supervisor encouraged me to view research and data as a form of storytelling, and I have carried that philosophy with me as I now pursue research in the humanities as a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Research Fellow and ASSURE Fellow at UNM.

Piece of advice: Reach out to faculty and graduate students who are doing work that interests you! I have learned so much from conversations that happened because I sent an email, went to office hours, or introduced myself at a conference. If you are struggling to draft an email or identify people to reach out to, URAD ambassadors are here to help!