Researcher bios and how their research backgrounds relate to this study

Christopher Dietzel, Ph.D. is a Research Associate in the Centre for Feminist Research at York University and Community Research Advisor at ODLAN. Dietzel also works on projects based at Concordia University, McGill University, Dalhousie University, and Western University. Dietzel has years of experience conducting research on 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and he has published peer-reviewed research on online technologies, equity, safety, health, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Dietzel is co-editor of three special issue journals and four books, including one on social issues that vulnerable communities have dealt with during and after the pandemic. Dietzel uses a range of methods in his research projects, including qualitative, arts-based, participatory, and digital methods. He speaks English and French, and he has worked directly with 2SLGBTQIA+ community groups from across Canada. Dietzel will offer his research expertise throughout the project, including with data collection, analysis, and knowledge mobilization.

Evan Vipond is a Reserach Officer at the Ontario Digital Literacy and Access Network (ODLAN) and a Ph.D. Candidate in Gender, Feminist, and Women's Studies. Their doctoral research focuses on trans rights and politics in the neoliberal context. As a research associate and project manager for the Toronto Trans Coalition Project, Evan conducted a needs assessment of trans and nonbinary people in Toronto based on the social determinants of Health 2018-2019. This needs assessment consisted of an online survey of trans and nonbinary people in Toronto and nine in-person focus groups. Evan also served as a research assistant on the SSHRC-funded project, Transgender Ethnography Project (PI: Dr. Sheila Cavanagh), for which they conducted one-on-one interviews with twenty trans individuals across Ontario in 2018-2020.

Rayan Saied holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Gender Studies from the University of Toronto. She has worked and conducted research in the field of 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion as a project officer with Wisdom2Action. Her work includes researching the experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ youth and public gender-based violence, promoting 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion in various organizations, and policy analysis and creation to enhance 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion. Additionally, her research with Wisdom2Action has focused on addressing anti-Black racism in Nova Scotia’s recreation sector and examining the experiences of Black youth in Nova Scotia's social services sector.

Purpose of this research project

This research is being conducted by the Ontario Digital Literacy and Access Network (ODLAN) in collaboration with Wisdom2Action. This project aims to better understand Two Spirit, trans, nonbinary, gender nonconforming and intersex (2STN+) peoples’ experiences with transphobic online hate in Canada. We use the phrase “online hate” as umbrella terms that include incidents such as cyberbullying, cyberharassment, cyberstalking, transphobic digital media, doxxing, swatting, and digital to physical violence (e.g., victims of doxxing being harassed or physically harmed by mobs of anonymous online people). Transphobic discourse perpetuated online are correlated with transphobic disinformation campaigns that marginalize 2STN+ people and aim to oppress their safety, autonomy, and democratic rights. It is important to note that transphobic online hate and harassment can intersect with racism, classism, sexism, and ableism, which can compound the marginalization and oppression that 2STN+ communities experience. 

We are focused on 2STN+ professionals (e.g., non-profit workers, advocates, etc. who work for organizations that serve 2STN+ and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ communities) as our population of interest because there is currently limited data on their experiences within the context of Canada. While some research has been conducted on the experiences of 2STN+ communities experiences of transphobic online hate, there research is still emerging and has not focused on the professional impact of this transphobic online hate on 2STN+ professionals and the 2STN+ and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations they serve and the consequences on their engagement in public spheres. 

The objectives of this project are: (1) to develop and assess the feasibility of tools and resources to support Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ non-profits in responding to and mitigating transphobic online hate and harassment, and (2) conduct new research focused on understanding transphobic online hate and harassment among 2STN+ professionals in Canada. Specifically, we will conduct a qualitative survey and one-on-one interviews with 2STN+ professionals to: (1) determine how transphobic online hate is impacting these professionals’ participation in Canadian society, and (2) explore the strategies that 2STN+ professionals and/or their organizations are using to mitigate and respond to transphobic online hate and harassment.

How this research will help LGBT2SQ people and communities

This research will be 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and organizations learn how to mitigate and address transphobic online hate. The findings from this research will be released in a public report that includes an overview of our key findings and recommendations for organizations to better protect themselves and the members of their organizations, and to better support 2STN+ members of the organization who experience this hate. In addition to producing a public report, we will co-develop resources that 2STN+ professionals and their organizations, including organizations that serve 2STN+ and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, can use to address transphobic online hate that targets 2STN+ individuals, organizations, and communities in Canada.

Participants

Individuals 18+ years or older who identify as Two Spirit, trans, or nonbinary, inclusive of gender nonconforming, and/or intersex people (2STN+), who work for an organization in Canada that serves 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

Compensation

Survey participants will be entered into a draw to win one of ten $40 gift cards. Interview participants will receive $120 for their role.

Mitigation measures

To mitigate potential risks during the interviews, we will provide a list of crisis support hotlines in the consent form and consent script of the interview and survey. We have compiled a list of resources for social and mental health support services. Participants will be reminded of this resource prior to and directly after completing the interview and survey. Furthermore, before conducting the interviews, we will ask participants to connect with their organizations’ support services, if applicable, so this information is on hand if needed.

Promoting the Study

The study is being promoted on ODLAN and Wisdom2Action's social media (includes Instagram, LinkedIn), e-newsletter, and organizational networks.