Professor Kareem Khubchandani, whose drag persona as LaWhore Vagistan has garnered significant attention, will be teaching a course on queer ethnography this fall at Harvard University. In addition, he will be offering a course on the impact of RuPaul’s Drag Race in the spring of 2026. His invitation to the prestigious Ivy League institution highlights the growing acceptance of unconventional teaching methods, particularly within the realm of gender studies and queer theory.
Khubchandani is currently an associate professor at Tufts University, where he has been engaged in academic research and advocacy related to queer life. His drag persona has become a central aspect of his teaching philosophy, with the New York Post reporting that his approach to pedagogy is both innovative and controversial. This has led to some backlash, with critics arguing that his methods are too radical and that they risk promoting ‘gender fundamentalism.’ However, supporters of the professor argue that his work contributes to a more inclusive and diverse academic environment.
The decision to invite Khubchandani has also come at a time when Harvard is embroiled in a legal battle with the Trump administration over funding. The university is seeking to secure billions in federal funding, but the administration has sought to cut these funds on various grounds. This funding dispute has added to the broader national debate about the role of public universities and the extent of government involvement in higher education.
Khubchandani’s courses are likely to attract a diverse range of students, from those interested in gender studies to those who are curious about the cultural impact of drag as an art form. His academic background and the unique nature of his approach to teaching make him a compelling figure in the ongoing discussions about the future of education and the role of unconventional methods in shaping students’ understanding of complex and diverse topics.