“Camp” of Mathematical Queeries – The Queer Mathematics Teacher

July 8 - July 31, 2024 via Zoom

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 1:00-3:30PM Eastern (Enrichment Sessions)

Fridays 1:00-3:30PM Eastern (Optional Community Building Sessions)

Two images, stacked vertically. The bottom image is of a Black student. The student has their arms crossed. They are wearing a green hoodie with the hood up. They have on a hijab and are wearing blue eyeshadow. They have an orange backpack on and are smiling at the camera. On their hoodie is a pin with the trans flag. The top image is an image of a student, shown from the nose down. They are wearing a blue denim button up shirt with a color. The shirt has an embroidered rainbow on it. They are wearing an orange backpack.

"Camp" of Mathematical Queeries

The Queer Mathematics Teacher, Radical Pedagogy Institute, and Teach about Women are thrilled to launch a 4th summer of “Camp” of Mathematical Queeries! This program is supported by the HRT Foundation, Mathematical Association of America.

What is "Camp" of Mathematical Queeries

“Camp” of Mathematical Queeries is a four-week virtual mathematics enrichment program tailored for 2SLGBTQIA+ teens entering grades 9-12. This innovative program is not just about numbers; it's about celebrating the diverse knowledge and experiences within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. By intertwining 2SLGBTQIA+ and mathematical identities, we create a unique space where students can explore the beauty of mathematics while affirming their own identities and connect with other students and mentors who identify as queer and/or trans.

We care about this so much that even the “Camp” name was designed to affirm queer and trans identities! The program's name, “Camp” of Mathematical Queeries, pays tribute to 2SLGBTQIA+ cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from the vibrant world of drag and camp aesthetics. “Queeries” adds a playful twist, encouraging students to question and explore math in unconventional ways. Throughout the program, participants will tackle group-worthy mathematical challenges that help them explore real-world applications of mathematics that also connect to 2SLGBTQIA+ culture and history, offering a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and engaging learning experience like no other.

What Mathematics Will We Explore?

At “Camp” of Mathematical Queeries, we celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ identities and show how they can make math even more awesome! Our program is all about using math in real-life ways that connect to queer and trans experiences. In the past, we've explored topics such as using mathematics to analyze media representation of 2SLGBTQIA+ people, queer architectural design, and even the math behind viruses like HIV, monkeypox, and COVID-19. This summer, we're diving into gerrymandering – a way politicians redraw voting districts to weaken or strengthen the power of specific communities, including queer and trans communities. Algebra, geometry, combinatorics, graph theory, computer science, and history all help us understand gerrymandering and its impact on queer and trans communities. We hope you’ll join us to learn all about gerrymandering this summer!

Who Can Apply?

2SLGBTQIA+ students in the United States who are entering grades 9-12 are invited to apply for “Camp” of Mathematical Queeries. The minimum mathematics requirement is that a student must have completed the equivalent of 8th-grade mathematics before “Camp” begins.

To respect everyone’s privacy, our sessions will never be video or audio recorded, and we will never share your personal information with anyone outside of the “Camp” community without your permission. Students accepted to “Camp” will be required to sign a Code of Conduct that agrees to these provisions for the privacy, safety, and respect of everyone.

How Much Does This Cost?

"Camp" of Mathematical Queeries is completely free for all students! Due to limited personnel, however, we can only accept 22-25 applicants for the 2024 summer cohort.

When is "Camp" of Mathematical Queeries?

Our 2024 cohort will begin Monday, July 8, 2024 and meet via Zoom on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesday, from 1:00PM - 3:30PM ET. Our final session will be on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

Every Friday, from 1:00PM - 3:30PM ET, we will also have community building sessions where we play games, watch queer shows (of students’ choice, favorites from past “Camp” sessions include She Ra, Steven Universe, and Owl House), and so on. Attendance at Friday sessions is encouraged, but not required.

Why Do We Use the 2SLGBTQIA+ Acronym, Rather than LGBTQ+ or Some Other Version?

We put the “2S”, which refers to “Two Spirit”, at the start of the acronym to honor and acknowledge that Indigenous peoples were here as the first inhabitants of Turtle Island (aka North America).

How Can I Apply?

Complete the application embedded below! Applications will be accepted through May 31, 2024. Applicants will begin receiving invitations to interview beginning on May 15th for early submissions and continuing through June 3rd.