In response to their own exploratory research examining how queer and trans survivors of violence are portrayed in the media, psychology honours and gender studies student J. Heber made an embroidery piece and wrote a song that paired with the embroidery process.

"I grounded my creative works in my own experiences as a disabled queer survivor of violence," says Heber, who developed these pieces of research and scholarly activity into a digital storytelling project that received the Student Research Award at the Ending Sexual Violence (ESV) Research Forum in January.

With guidance, mentorship and support from profs Dr. Kathryn Holland and Dr. Katie Biittner, Heber was inspired by and built off Juliana Kaneda's research. "Watching TV and film, I started to notice patterns about how queer and trans people who experienced abuse were portrayed. Unfortunately, the media frequently exploits queer trauma and violence, while telling few stories of queer healing and recovery. By associating queer trauma with primarily negative endings for characters, it can send a message that queerness and wellness cannot co-exist after trauma."

For Heber, receiving so much support from chosen family, as well as the ESV research award, has been healing in their own trauma recovery process.

"I hope my research and creative works can highlight the importance of queering the anti-sexual violence movement to hold space for and support queer experiences of violence and recovery," says Heber.

To learn more about J.'s research and to see their project, follow them on Instagram, Tiktok or Etsy (@thelilembroidebee).

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