Keynote
DH@Guelph Summer Workshops 2025 keynote lecture
Dr. KáLyn Coghill
Interdisciplinary Scholar. Educator. Storyteller.
Audre Lorde Says “Revolution Is Not A One Time Event”: Resisting Digital Muzzles To Enact Revolutionary Change
Note: This is a free, open talk. All are welcome. Please register here!
Abstract: Technology-facilitated gender-based violence has long been an issue. It has made it extremely difficult for journalists, activists, and at this current moment in time — educators. In our current political climate, we are reminded daily of the dangers of not being silent, prioritizing the needs of those in crisis, protecting our students, colleagues, and loved ones against digital harm, and standing up for what is right. Digital humanities has the potential to do all of these things, but are we ready to take the lead? Audre Lorde reminds us all that our silence will NOT protect us. So, how will we use what we know to enact revolutionary change? How will we resist the violence in digital spaces that materializes and manifests in our offline lives? This is a clarion call to all digital humanities scholars, students, librarians, and professors to reset, resist, and revolutionize the field in order to revolutionize the world.
Date: Monday, May 12th at 5:15pm
Location: MCKN 113 (Arts Auditorium, enter from Winegard Walk, across from the Library)
Bio:
Dr. KáLyn “Kay” Coghill is a dynamic and award-winning educator, activist, and storyteller who is an outspoken advocate specializing in gender-based violence, survivor justice, disability justice, and reproductive justice. Based in their hometown, Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Kay currently serves as a lecturer at Virginia Commonwealth University, Randolph Macon College, and CUNY Hunters College. Dr. Coghill captivates, creates, and teaches unique courses covering online gender-based violence, digital resistance, and the intricate intersections of gender, sexuality, and women’s studies.
With an expansive background that blends interdisciplinary scholarship, community organizing, and abortion doula care, Dr. Coghill addresses pressing issues not only through their research but also through digital content creation on topics such as misogynoir, race, technology, and the nuances of gender-based violence in the digital realm, particularly on social media platforms. Their groundbreaking research also explores the implications of artificial intelligence on sexual harm online and digital misogynoir, raising critical ethical technology considerations while drawing insights from Black popular culture, digital humanities scholarship, and innovations in digital resistance.
As a consultant for esteemed organizations, including the Institute for Research on Male Supremacism, Blacksky Inc., MyOwnImage, and Penn State University, Dr. Coghill enriches various research initiatives with their expertise. As the visionary behind Hoodrat ScholarshipTM, they adeptly connect academic knowledge with community needs, making education accessible and community-focused.
Dr. Coghill demonstrates a strong commitment to activism by conducting digital humanities workshops, researching harm reduction strategies for Black women and femmes online, and providing dedicated content moderation services for social media platforms such as Bluesky. With deep insights and a passion for social justice, Dr. Coghill aims to inspire and provoke thought among their audiences while significantly contributing to digital humanities, digital criminology, and gender studies.