Rooted in Art Lecture Series - Linnea Valdivia

In "Unruly Bodies: Monstrosity, Race and Gender in Pop Culture," Linnea Valdivia examines the figure of the freak or monster in popular culture as a site of both liberation and control — and asks how race shapes whether female unruliness is celebrated or condemned. Drawing on performance studies and critical race theory, Linnea's session will include video screenings, guided discussion, and an interactive exercise that invites participants to analyze visual culture through an intersectional lens. Linnea is the Program Manager for the GALA Pride and Diversity Center in San Luis Obispo. All events are free and open to the public. They are held on the third Wednesday of each month August - November 2026; 6-7:30 p.m. in the SLO Public Library Community Room. Each event includes a 10–15 minute community update from SLOCAC and City staff followed by a 60-minute presentation and Q&A.