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For Communication and Media Associate Professor and author , representation in media is not simply about visibility, but also about identity, understanding and the freedom to imagine oneself as the hero of the story.

Evans will explore these themes as the featured speaker for this year’s McGee Lecture on February 18, an annual event sponsored by the African and African American Studies (AAAS) program in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The lecture, “Seeing Ourselves: The Power of Authentic Representation in Media,” will explore the shifting landscape of queer visibility in television, literature and popular media, examining how portrayals of queer and intersectional identities shape the self-perceptions of young people as they come to terms with who they are.

Drawing from his research on authenticity and stereotype disruption, as well as his creative work as an author of five books—including two aimed for young adults—Evans will lead a conversation on why representation matters and how it can transform cultural understanding, empathy and belonging.

“I’m so excited to talk about the importance of people being able to see themselves in the media, whatever media that is,” Evans says. “That acknowledgment of identity teaches audiences about different groups of people and it teaches people about themselves.”

Bridging scholarship and storytelling, Evans will reflect on his career-long commitment to both. Alongside his , he is the author of the and co-author of the trilogy, both of which center inclusive narratives rarely found in mainstream media.

The Evan Sinclair series features a young Black queer protagonist with a group of sleuthing friends and grew out Evans’ desire to see people like himself as the protagonist in stories (and out of his love of Scooby Doo mysteries).

“Representation doesn’t always have to look a certain way,” he says, “but I think it’s important for us to engage with it, whether you have kids that might read a book like mine or know someone who does.”

The McGee Lecture series honors the legacy of the late Professor of Law whose work and activism centered justice, equity and community engagement.

“Professor McGee’s legacy is renowned,” Evans says. “To be able to stand in that, I’m extremely honored and humbled.”

The McGee Lecture featuring Dr. Evans is February 18, 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. in Oberto Commons. Co-sponsored by the Department of Communication and Media, it is free and open to the public. RSVP .