The Team
Dr. JJ Wright, Director of the Queer Sexual Joy Project
Dr. JJ Wright (she/they) is an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at MacEwan University on Treaty 6 territory in Edmonton. Dr. Wright's primary area of research is gender-based violence, sexual health and consent education, and issues impacting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. As a community-engaged researcher, Dr. Wright works with regional, provincial, and national organizations to advocate for gender justice and to research ways to address gender-based violence that are trauma-informed and community responsive. Their research is inspired by a commitment to community-building and creating cultures that are less violent and more just, caring, and connected. Dr. Wright's website: www.jessica-wright.ca
Egale Canada, Project Collaborator
Egale Canada is Canada's leading national advocacy organization which works to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQI people and to enhance the global response to 2SLGBTQI issues. Egale's research, education, awareness initiatives, and legal advocacy informs public policy, helps inspire cultural change, and promotes the human rights and inclusion of 2SLGBTQI people. Egale envisions a Canada, and ultimately a world, without homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and all other forms of oppression so that every person can achieve their full potential, free from hatred and bias. Learn more about Egale's work here: www.egale.ca
Elliot Fonarev, Research Assistant
Elliot Fonarev is a PhD student in the Department of Sociology at the University of Toronto. His research focuses on sociolegal studies, trans and queer studies, ethnicity and migration, and higher education. Elliot is a former human rights lawyer who worked with trans and queer individuals and groups in Canada and South Africa. He is passionate about queer pedagogies and methods, and is excited to join the Queer Sexual Joy research team.
Ellis Greenberg, Research Assistant
Ellis Greenberg is in their second year of the Masters of Education program in the Department of Social Justice Education at the University of Toronto's Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Ellis is a queer non-binary Mad white settler currently living in Tkaronto. Their work focuses on sexual violence prevention, queer and trans sexual joy, and anticolonial conceptions of gender. Ellis has worked as a high school sex educator and has facilitated queer and trans youth groups for several years. In their free time, Ellis loves to go on long walks with their dog Clyde, cook delicious food, and make textile art. Ellis is thrilled to be a part of the Queer Sexual Joy research team!
Japnish Kaur, Research Assistant
Japnish Kaur is a law graduate from India whose passion for youth justice pulled her to move to Canada and pursue a Master of Arts in Social Justice Studies at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. She is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of disadvantaged youth. Her ultimate aspiration is to become a human rights lawyer and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.
Molly Boyd, Graphic Designer