York U experts available to comment on key issues facing 2SLGBTQIA+ communities ahead of Pride Toronto
With Pride Toronto fast approaching, York University experts are available to share informed perspectives on the stories shaping this year’s coverage. Drawing on years of community-engaged research, these scholars can shed light on both the historical struggles and the ongoing policy and service barriers affecting queer and trans communities across Canada. In a year marked by political tension, organizational challenges, and broader reflection within the 2SLGBTQIA+ movement, these academics bring essential context to the evolving social, cultural, and political dynamics at play.
Nick Mulé (he/him) is a professor in the School of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies and the School of Social Work. He teaches sexual activism, and social justice. His research areas include advocacy, and the social inclusion — and exclusion — of gender and and sexually diverse populations (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, two-spirit, genderqueer, intersex, queer, questioning – 2SLGBTQIA+) in social policy and service provision and the degree of recognition of these populations as distinct communities in cultural, systemic and structural contexts. Mulé also engages in critical analysis of the 2SLGBTQIA+ movement and the development of queer liberation theory. Mulé is currently leading a national research project on poverty in 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, the first national study of its kind.
Mulé is available to comment on:
- lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, Two-Spirit, intersex and queer issues
- queer liberation theory
- 2SLGBTQIA+ health and social service concerns, public and social policy regarding 2SLGBTQIA+ people and communities
- history and politics of the 2SLGBTQIA+ movement
- diversity in society and 2SLGBTQIA+ human rights
Tom Hooper (he/him) is a historian of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Canada and a professor in the department of equity studies. His research has explored the February 5, 1981, bathhouse raids where over 300 gay men were arrested and criminally charged for their sexuality, with a focus on the community resistance to these raids both on the streets and in the courts. Hooper critically examined the construction of dominant queer historical narratives, including the myth that legal changes in 1969 represented the decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada. Hooper also investigated the use and misuse of heritage grants provided to 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations.
Hooper is available to comment on:
- 2SLGBTQIA+ protest movements
- policing and pride
- 2SLGBTQIA+ history
Kinnon Ross MacKinnon (he/him) is a social scientist and professor in the School of Social Work who studies transgender medicine, including how sexual and gender minority populations access and experience hormonal and surgical interventions. Kinnon’s research investigates the social and structural dimensions of care delivery. Kinnon’s social work practice background includes support group facilitation in the areas of gender-affirming surgery, queer/trans youth, and eating disorders.
MacKinnon is available to comment on:
- transition-related hormone and surgery access inequities in Canada
- 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health
- political-economic dimensions impacting access to 2SLGBTQIA+ support services
- digital healthcare services and education
- community-engaged research methods for and with 2SLGBTQIA+ populations
