Contributor Bios and Pictures

Angela is from the traditional and unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and is working to complete a BA with a major in psychology. Her main take away from being involved in the book collaboration is how much planning, organizing, detail and thought go into planning and completing a book, especially with such a large group of people.

I am an uninvited guest who was born and raised in Bawating, in the Robinson-Huron Treaty territory and the land of the Anishnaabeg, specifically the Garden River and Batchewana First Nations, as well as the Metis people.

Sociology Major

Snacks and coffee are essential.

They were born on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh and raised on the traditional territory of the Quw’utusn

Majoring in Anthropology

One key takeaway from the creation of this book is the lack of awareness of topics outside of the gender binary. That most of the research that has been conducted is through a binary lens and does not allow for fluidity within an individual’s gender identity.

Dunne-za territory

Psychology and Sociology double major

Gender is the most wildly complex, yet incredibly specific concept.

Snuneymuxw Territory

Major in Communications

Working on this project has allowed me to dive deeper into the aspects of gender and gender identity that I myself have never learned about. I hope this book allows people to engage with heavier scholarly works in a way which is engaging and exciting, and perhaps even teaches them something they didn’t know before!

I am from the Snuneymuxw First Nation territory

I am indeed a Sociology major

My favourite thing that was taken away from this book was the enjoyment of the collaboration aspect of 30 people taking individual ideas to merge them into one creation.

I was born on the traditional Treaty 7 territory and Métis Nation of Alberta (Region 3).

Anthropology Major

Main takeaway from being involved in the 322 book collaboration —> My main takeaway from being involved in the SOCI 322 Book Collaboration was being part of a group who had a common shared goal. The mutual respect among myself and my peers helped to produce a culture of understanding and anticipation about the project. Even when things got tough, we were all there to support one another, which helped us to follow through with deadlines and various tasks. 

Tara-Fay is a fourth-year student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology at Vancouver Island University in British Columbia, Canada. Sedar has spent her entire life living on Vancouver Island and grew up in the Comox Valley on the traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nations. She moved to Nanaimo, BC to finish her undergraduate degree and resides on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw. Sedar’s main takeaway from this project is being part of a collaborative experience that has allowed her to witness the process of planning, creating, editing and publishing a book with a large team.

Anwen was born and raised on the ancestral territories of the Cree, Blackfoot and Métis people. She is a Curriculum, Teaching and Learning Specialist with the Centre of Innovation and Excellence in Learning at VIU. She really enjoyed working with students on this project and was inspired by their creativity and hard work.

Vicki was born in the traditional territory of the Lhtako Dene. Her degrees are in Sociology from UVic, where she began her post-secondary teaching career over 30 years ago. Midwifing this book into existence, with 31 contributors, has been a significant reminder that trusting in the process is challenging, necessary, and ultimately, rewarding.

I was born and raised in the Snuneymuxw territory

Anthropology Major/ Sociology Minor

My main takeaway from being involved in the SOCI 322 book contribution was that I discovered how much more involvement and care go into a project written by an entire class rather than individual work, and how this project feels more fulfilling knowing it was a shared idea.

Masset, Haida Gwaii

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology.

Destiny’s main takeaway is that writing a book while taking 4 other classes is a lot of work and teaches you more about your time management (or lack thereof).

Hayes acknowledges and respects the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation people as the place he was born and raised. Evans is in his third year at Vancouver Island University, where he is interested in psychology and sociology. The biggest takeaway from being involved in this book collaboration was working with a diverse range of individuals and being exposed to different views regarding gender.

I was born on the unceded territory of Musqueam First Nations

Major in Criminology, Minor in Studies in Women and Gender

The biggest takeaway would be the shockingly little research on queer people in sex work.

Sydney was born in Ontario on the Indigenous Territory belonging to the Haudenosaunee Nation. I am currently working towards an undergraduate degree in Sociology with a minor in History. As students, we absorb what feels at times like endless knowledge. In contributing to the collaborative book, it feels empowering to have created a space to share and reflect on the knowledge we have all taken in over the course.

Angela is from the traditional and unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and is working to complete a BA with a major in psychology. Her main take away from being involved in the book collaboration is how much planning, organizing, detail and thought go into planning and completing a book, especially with such a large group of people.

I was born and raised in the small town of Oliver in the Okanagan Valley on the unceded territory of the Syilx people. In my final year of a Sociology degree working on this book has been an incredibly valuable experience and has provided me with so much information on gender that I’ll be able to use academically and professionally going forward.

I am an uninvited guest who was born and raised in Bawating, in the Robinson-Huron Treaty territory and the land of the Anishnaabeg, specifically the Garden River and Batchewana First Nations, as well as the Metis people.

Sociology Major

Snacks and coffee are essential.

Traditional Territory: Nehiyaw (Cree), Denesuliné (Dene), Nakota Sioux (Stoney), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux) and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot).

Sociology Major

This was an amazing opportunity to not only learn and explore my own Gender identity, but also to connect with my fellow classmates in creating something for other students to use and learn!

I am from the Comox Valley on the unceded traditional land of the K’ómoks First Nations.

Geography Major

It was an amazing experience to work with classmates from a variety of disciplines to create a book about the intersections of gender.

Born on Tk’emlúpsemc territory

Sociology Major

I have learned to love the chaos of the process.

Indigenous territory name where born:   Treaty 6 Territory and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4

Major:  Sociology

Main takeaway from doing the 322 book project:

I am passionate about gender studies and my heart is full of gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate on this book.

They were born on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh and raised on the traditional territory of the Quw’utusn

Majoring in Anthropology

One key takeaway from the creation of this book is the lack of awareness of topics outside of the gender binary. That most of the research that has been conducted is through a binary lens and does not allow for fluidity within an individual’s gender identity.

I was born on the Indigenous Territory of Quw’utsun

Criminology Major

Your main takeaway from being involved in the 322 book collaboration —— I would say that my main takeaway from being involved in this book collaboration would be coming together as a class and having to work together in a way I have not had the privilege of doing in my four years of university. It was an honour to work with people of so many diverse backgrounds and to continue furthering my educational journey on gender.

Dunne-za territory

Psychology and Sociology double major

Gender is the most wildly complex, yet incredibly specific concept.

Snuneymuxw Territory

Major in Communications

Working on this project has allowed me to dive deeper into the aspects of gender and gender identity that I myself have never learned about. I hope this book allows people to engage with heavier scholarly works in a way which is engaging and exciting, and perhaps even teaches them something they didn’t know before!

Born on Tsimshian territory, of Gitxsan and Cree heritage 

Major in Sociology, minor in Psychology 

Main takeaway from being involved in a book collaboration was giving myself more grace and learning to have patience. It has given me the opportunity to connect with my classmates on a deeper level, be creative, and share new ideas. 

I am from Edmonton and the Cree called the area Amiskwaciy (Beaver Hills)

Majoring in Sociology

I was aware of the discrimination LGBTQ+ individuals faced in the health care system, however, while I was researching for this book it made me realize the problem is more severe than I initally presumed. This was a great opportunity to read my peers work and learn from their work.

I am from the Snuneymuxw First Nation territory

I am indeed a Sociology major

My favourite thing that was taken away from this book was the enjoyment of the collaboration aspect of 30 people taking individual ideas to merge them into one creation.

I was born on the traditional Treaty 7 territory and Métis Nation of Alberta (Region 3).

Anthropology Major

Main takeaway from being involved in the 322 book collaboration —> My main takeaway from being involved in the SOCI 322 Book Collaboration was being part of a group who had a common shared goal. The mutual respect among myself and my peers helped to produce a culture of understanding and anticipation about the project. Even when things got tough, we were all there to support one another, which helped us to follow through with deadlines and various tasks. 

Born and raised on Treaty 7 Blackfoot territory, currently living on unceded Snuneymuxw land.

Favorite part of the book process has been seeing everyone else’s work, I love to see the variety of interest and knowledge within a feminist scope.

Ktunaxa Nation

Psychology Major

When writing a book, be prepared for things to change at any moment and flexible to adapt to unexpected situations

I currently live in Duncan, which is the land of the Cowichan Coast Salish Stz’uminus people and have lived there my whole life. My ancestors on my mother’s side are from Telegraph Creek BC which is in the Tahltan Nation, of which I am a registered member. The Tahltan nation is just east of the Alaska Panhandle.

Psychology Major and Sociology Major

Talking about these topics with the class and then writing the articles lead to good discussions and better writing.

Sociology Major and a Political Studies Minor

David Schneider was born in the traditional and current territories of the K’o’mks First Nation and raised in the traditional and current territory of the Quw’utsun people.

The largest takeaway I had from creating this book was the power that exists when people come together and focus on their strengths in a community that can support their strengths.

Tara-Fay is a fourth-year student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology at Vancouver Island University in British Columbia, Canada. Sedar has spent her entire life living on Vancouver Island and grew up in the Comox Valley on the traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nations. She moved to Nanaimo, BC to finish her undergraduate degree and resides on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw. Sedar’s main takeaway from this project is being part of a collaborative experience that has allowed her to witness the process of planning, creating, editing and publishing a book with a large team.

The traditional territory of the Halalt First Nations people

Sociology Major

The main takeaway for me from being involved in this book collaboration is how things like this can bring a community together. It was amazing to see everyone come together to work together towards the goal of publishing this book.

I am from the traditional territory of the Lhtako Dene and was raised on the traditional unceded territories of the Hupacasath and Tseshaht First Nations.

Double Major in Sociology and Women and Gender Studies

My main takeaway from this collaborative book experience would be the amount of diversity we have seen through the process of coming together as a class, which is now being showcased through this literature. With everyone having various interests of research and intersectional backgrounds guiding our goals, this project has allowed for an array of creativity and diverse knowledge to shine through. All of our pieces hold individual value that share or touch on one of our own personal narratives. In the end, while each piece has its own merits, we have been able to collectively create an entire book, nay, a piece of art that is expansive and continues the conversation of gender through an intersectional lens.

Born on territory of the Nehiyaw First Nation

Sociology Major

That publishing a book of this nature requires a multitude of diverse perspectives and lenses.

Meagan Sharpe was born on the unceded land of Kwikwetlem (Coquitlam) but raised on the unceded territory of the Snuneymux (Nanaimo). She is double majoring in Sociology and Political Science. She was excited to be able to investigate systemic issues that directly impact close and important members of her family.

Born on Lekwungen Territory

Majoring in Criminology

It was a big undertaking but I found that subject I was researching very interesting and very relevant to current events happening in the world.

I currently live in Duncan, which is the land of the Cowichan Coast Salish Stz’uminus people and have lived there my whole life. My ancestors on my mother’s side are from Telegraph Creek BC which is in the Tahltan Nation, of which I am a registered member. The Tahltan nation is just east of the Alaska Panhandle.

Psychology Major and Sociology Major

Talking about these topics with the class and then writing the articles lead to good discussions and better writing.