The Queer Horizons speaker series, presented by the MacEwan Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity, profiles research and community work focused on 2SLGBTQ+ identities, issues and topics. All events are free and open to everyone on campus and in the community.
Events
Past topics
This speaker series has covered a range of topics and issues, including:
Brittany Johnson discussed research-creation as decolonial theory through beaded anatomy and full-spectrum doula work. As part of her research-creation work, Johnson beads vulvas and other anatomy as both teaching tools and sites of bodily sovereignty reclamation. Participants had the opportunity to see images of these beaded relatives, as well as hold them in their hands, showcasing the important role beadwork plays in sexual and reproductive justice for Indigenous women and girls in amiskwacîwâskahikan and beyond.
The Mitchell Art Gallery, in partnership with CSGD, presented Discovering Wallbridge and Imrie Architects, a lecture by Dr. Sarah Bonnemaison about architects and life partners Mary Imrie and Jean Wallbridge. This event was held in conjunction with the MAG’s exhibition GLAD YOU CLOSER HOME / NEW WHITE WHISKER MARY.
Dr. Sarah Bonnemaison is a professor of architecture at Dalhousie University. Her design practice specializes in tensile structures and festival architecture. Sarah is also a writer. Her books include Architecture and Nature and Installations by Architects as well as edited books and numerous book chapters such as “Queer Architecture?” Her passion lies on bringing history and theory to life through writing, exhibitions and video. She is currently writing a book about Jean Wallbridge and Mary Imrie.
In this presentation, Reverend Michael Coren outlined Christian arguments and a scripture-based message for love and equality. He also provided a critique of the hypocrisy and inconsistency of conservative Christianity and its homophobia. Thank you to support from St. Stephen’s College for this event.
Ada L. Sinacore, Ph.D. and professor in the counselling psychology program in the Faculty of Education at McGill University, put current discourse about trans and gender-diverse people in a historical context with a focus on the human rights evolution of this community. Through situating these debates in a historical context, the presenter provided recommendations for future directions.
JP Armstrong shared and analyzed changes to donor screening practices aimed at ensuring greater inclusion in Canada’s blood supply system. Until recently, sexually active men who had sex with men were ineligible to donate blood in Canada. This policy was criticized by many as discriminatory and for contributing to the stigma faced by gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. In September 2022, Canadian Blood Services implemented sexual behaviour-based eligibility screening asked of all donors regardless of gender or sexual orientation. This shift signifies a concerted effort to maximize inclusion in Canada’s blood supply system. Join JP Armstrong as he discusses and analyzes the recent changes to donor screening practices, presenting research that informed this shift as well as providing a queer reading of the current policy.
Dr. Katie Biittner, associate professor in anthropology at MacEwan University, reflected on the ways her academic journey and research program have been and continue to be queer. Her research is broadly focused on technologies that make us human.
This opportunity/event is eligible for your Student Experience Record (SER). Find out more and create your SER in the MacEwanLife portal.