Stephanie Jonsson is a PhD Candidate in Gender, Feminist, and Women's studies at York University, where her research focuses on the intersections of aging, queerness, and new technologies. 

Stephanie’s research led to the creation of community-based pilot initiative, The Ontario Digital Literacy and Access Network (ODLAN). After conducting a study on the barriers 2S-LGBTQ+ older adults were experiencing in accessing remote service provisions during the global pandemic, Stephanie co-founded ODLAN to address the emerging digital divide challenges 2SLGBTQIA+ communities were facing during the pandemic. 

In 2022, ODLAN received a grant through the Department of Canadian Heritage, Digital Citizenship Contribution Program, a program dedicated to projects that will strengthen Canada’s resilience against online harm and disinformation. “This research project will raise awareness and support community organizations who serve 2SLGBTQIA+ people by identifying possible digital strategies for preventing and mitigating,” says Stephanie. 

Andrea O'Reilly, professor in the School of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, and Stephanie’s supervisor, says “Stephanie’s work is important and urgent and indeed unique in identifying the digital divide for queer elders.” To raise awareness on the topic of queerphobic online hate, ODLAN will be hosting educational workshops to foster a community discussion with 2SLGBTQIA+ organizational leaders on their experiences and preventative measures implemented for personal safety. 

Connect with Stephanie to learn more about her work at Stephanie@odlan.ca.