Globally, we are experiencing a moment of heightened anxiety surrounding work and discussions about sex, eroticism, bodies/pleasures, identity, and desire, among many other topics. Indeed, scholars and researchers focused on the erotic often grapple with the label and association of “dirty work,” described as “occupational tasks and jobs that were ‘physically, socially or morally’ tainted” (224). Coined by Everette Hughes (1962), this term has been applied to research on sex and sexuality, as well as other subjects that may provoke controversy. Louisa Allen (2019) utilized the term “dirty work” to address the frustrations involved in publishing images of penises in scholarship related to sex education. Feona Attwood (2010) engaged with the term to explore research in pornography and the representation of women. Janice Irvine has specifically contributed to discussions at the intersection of sexuality research and dirty work, highlighting how scholars and researchers have faced stigmatization, censorship, and even exclusion from researching based on prevailing cultural and academic attitudes (2014-2018). Samantha Keen (2021) expanded this dialogue, reflecting on the challenges of working as a “sexademic” while bringing attention to the lived realities of researching topics that warrant more scholarly focus and interest yet remain increasingly stigmatized and censored.
This special issue aims to gather articles that specifically address the conversations mentioned above. In a global cultural environment facing threats to post-secondary education and attacks on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), Critical Race Theory, and Sex Education, what are the real-time implications for researchers in these areas of inquiry? Amid the looming threat of Project 2025 and increasingly vitriolic conservative mandates, particularly in the US, how are researchers engaged in the fields of gender, sexuality, eroticism, censorship, and identity navigating the fallout? What does the future hold for this work? How do researchers perceive themselves and their contributions? What fears, anxieties, and frustrations arise at the intersections of this challenging work?
Please send a 250-word abstract to Dr. Jessica Floyd (JFloyd1@umbc.edu) and Dr. Jonathan A. Allan (AllanJ@brandonu.ca). The deadline for abstracts will be October 31, 2025, final submissions will be due by May 1, 2026.