I broadly focus on understanding policing inequalities, the sociology of sexuality, and identity formations. My dissertation focuses on how 2SLGBTQ+ people, activists, and community organizers involve the police in their work. From police reformers to abolitionists, and anywhere in-between, I am interested in learning about how people working in organizations interacting with 2SLGBTQ+ communities and the police navigate issues of safety.
Projects I have worked on or I'm currently working on include the following:
1) Pride parades, including the presence of police and corporate sponsorships. This research investigates debates on the role of police and sponsorships in 2SLGBTQ+ Pride festivals, including how activists frame their concerns.
2) Coming out as 2SLGBTQ+ and the selection of identity labels. Over the last decade, the number of people who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ has more than doubled. Me and Amin Ghaziani (Canada Research Chair in Urban Sexualities) argue that coming out with a non-heterosexual identity is articulated through ambivalent experiences. We also propose the concept of "situational fluidity" to account for how people identify with multiple sexual identity labels at once (e.g. demisexual, biromantic, queer, pansexual, gay, etc.).
3) Canadians with disabilities and healthcare complications. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people with disabilities and medical concerns faced challenges due to compromised health conditions. Me and my research collaborators did several mixed-method studies to understand how vulnerable groups coped with social distancing and the allocation of government support.
4) Media framing of serial killer cases. In 2018, the Bruce McArthur serial killer case became the largest homicide investigation in Toronto's history. I analyzed every article covering this case in three major Canadian newspapers to analyze how journalists framed victims to the public.
5) Social movements. I am currently collaborating on two research projects investigating social movement tactics and alliances.
6) MSM (men who have sex with men) who identify as sides. Most people assume that gay or bisexual men identify as "top," "bottom," or "versatile" within sexual roles. However, not all MSMs identify with any of these, instead opting for the role of "side" (i.e. no anal sex). Me and PhD student, Ash Catonio, are exploring how sides negotiate relationships.
Projects I have worked on or I'm currently working on include the following:
1) Pride parades, including the presence of police and corporate sponsorships. This research investigates debates on the role of police and sponsorships in 2SLGBTQ+ Pride festivals, including how activists frame their concerns.
2) Coming out as 2SLGBTQ+ and the selection of identity labels. Over the last decade, the number of people who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ has more than doubled. Me and Amin Ghaziani (Canada Research Chair in Urban Sexualities) argue that coming out with a non-heterosexual identity is articulated through ambivalent experiences. We also propose the concept of "situational fluidity" to account for how people identify with multiple sexual identity labels at once (e.g. demisexual, biromantic, queer, pansexual, gay, etc.).
3) Canadians with disabilities and healthcare complications. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people with disabilities and medical concerns faced challenges due to compromised health conditions. Me and my research collaborators did several mixed-method studies to understand how vulnerable groups coped with social distancing and the allocation of government support.
4) Media framing of serial killer cases. In 2018, the Bruce McArthur serial killer case became the largest homicide investigation in Toronto's history. I analyzed every article covering this case in three major Canadian newspapers to analyze how journalists framed victims to the public.
5) Social movements. I am currently collaborating on two research projects investigating social movement tactics and alliances.
6) MSM (men who have sex with men) who identify as sides. Most people assume that gay or bisexual men identify as "top," "bottom," or "versatile" within sexual roles. However, not all MSMs identify with any of these, instead opting for the role of "side" (i.e. no anal sex). Me and PhD student, Ash Catonio, are exploring how sides negotiate relationships.