Kate Hayes
I’m a high school student interested in exploring the intersections of philosophy, media studies, and social justice. My main area of interest is continental philosophy, specifically in the fields of critical theory, queer theory, and literary theory. In terms of extracurriculars, I am the editor-in-chief of my school’s nationally recognized newspaper and president of my school’s Queer Student Alliance, among other roles.
I have also spoken at three scholastic journalism conventions in the state of Texas, supplemented by independent research and analysis. My most recent presentation was a critical examination of major media outlets’ coverage of transgender rights, with particular focus on The New York Times, identifying this coverage within the broader landscape of political attacks on the queer community. In these presentations, I also train other student journalists on how to accurately and respectfully portray queer people in media, aiding efforts to foster more diverse and inclusive publications.