Brittany is a qualitative and educational researcher based in Epetwitk (Prince Edward Island) whose research focuses on experiences of LGBTQ youth, and questions of gender and sexuality, identity, and educational experiences. Brittany completed a PhD in educational studies and an MEd in educational leadership from the University of Prince Edward Island. Brittany brings multi-sectoral experience to their director role, including experience in non-profit leadership, higher education teaching, and academic research. At Egale, Brittany’s current research and work focuses on 2SLGBTQI health and employment. 

Kim is a qualitative researcher and PhD Candidate in Sociology at McGill University. Her dissertation explores the healthcare experiences, resilience strategies, and community-building efforts of sexual minority womxn in Canada. She has expertise in qualitative research methodologies (e.g., grounded theory, narrative research); critical media studies; and the sociology of health, illness, and medicine. Kim’s most recent work has focused on unpacking understandings of mental health recovery, social inclusion for folks living with disabilities, and Indigenous youth leadership. At Egale, Kim’s work is largely focused on addressing 2SLGBTQI mental health disparities and highlighting healthcare access issues.  

Gazel is a qualitative researcher based in Treaty 1 territory (Winnipeg). She completed her BA Honours in Sociology at the University of Winnipeg and MA in Sociology at Carleton University and is currently a PhD student in Sociology at Carleton University. Gazel has over a decade of interdisciplinary research experience working on projects related to public health, social entrepreneurship, and critical disability studies. Her current doctoral research examines ethnic entrepreneurship practices among Gen Z and Millennial Filipinx-Canadians. At Egale, Gazel’s research focuses on 2SLGBTQI inclusion and diversity initiatives within the context of small and medium enterprises and not-for-profit organizations.

Noah is a qualitative researcher based on unceded Anishinaabe Algonquin land (Ottawa). He received his BA Combined Honours in Film Studies and Gender Studies at Carleton University and continued there to earn his MA in Gender Studies. Noah has experience in qualitative research methods including interviewing, autotheory, and discourse analysis. His primary research interests focus on queer and trans theory, sexuality and kink, critical media studies, and the role of art and education in activism. Noah’s work at Egale currently focuses on trans and gender diverse experiences in a variety of contexts, including employment, families, and post-secondary institutions.

Bre is a quantitative and qualitative researcher based in Vancouver, which is situated on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Bre completed their MSc and is currently pursuing their PhD in Social Psychology at Trent University. Bre’s doctoral research examines how connecting with 2SLGBTQI+ community may protect 2SLGBTQI+ young adults’ mental health from the negative impacts of stigma by fostering positive 2SLGBTQI+ identities and adaptive coping skills. While Bre is primarily a quantitative researcher, they have experience in qualitative methodologies, and they are especially interested in how mixed-methods research can provide a holistic picture of 2SLGBTQI+ people’s experiences. At Egale, Bre’s work focuses on how rising anti-2SLGBTQI hate and violence affects 2SLGBTQI+ people’s well-being.

Jesse is a third-year social work student at Toronto Metropolitan University. They obtained their BA in French at the University of Guelph. She is currently completing a double minor in criminology and sociology, and hopes to continue on to a master’s of social work. Their primary research interests involve queer and trans theory and their relationship to carcerality.