Parandeh Kia is expecting her Ph. D. in American History from the Claremont Graduate University in December 2007. She has a BA in Communication and International Studies and a MA in American History.
Ms. Kia has taught courses in American Studies, Gender & Sexual Identity, and Women Studies at several California State University campuses, including Northridge. Her research and writing are focused on American immigration history as well as race, ethnicity and sexuality in the United States. Ms. Kia had worked in student advocacy positions as an administrator on several university campuses, before starting her academic career.
She has been involved with a number of community organizations, including an Iranian LGBT group and Amnesty International’s refugee program. She writes and speaks in the community on wide ranging topics including Middle Eastern and Iranian immigrants in the West, sexuality and sexual identity.