Dr. Wesley Crichlow (PhD) is a distinguished Black LGBTQ transdisciplinary professor and scholar whose research critically dovetails at the intersections of Critical Race Theory Intersectionality (CRTI), Decoloniality, and the decolonization of Black freedom. His scholarship and praxis interrogate the enduring legacies of Enslavism, the scourge of anti-Black racism, and the complex, decolonizing intersectional dynamics of Black masculinities, with particular emphasis on Black Same-Gender-Loving, Queer, Trans, and Non-Binary Transformative Justice.
Through a transsystemic CRTI framework, Dr. Crichlow combines epistemic justice and socio-legal theory to challenge and dismantle systemic heterocisnormativity, transmisogyny, patriarchy, and ableism. Optimism lies at the heart of his scholarly praxis, encouraging academics and activists to be more imaginative by challenging gatekeeping conventional methods through two foundational questions: What does it mean to be free? and What does it mean to be human? His scholarly optimism led to the creation of Black LGBTQ Justice Canada.
Black LGBTQ Justice Canada is the outcome of the first-ever Canadian and Black Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) national bilingual study of formerly incarcerated Black Gay, Trans, Queer (BGTQ), gender-expansive, and same-gender-loving men. Titled Carceral Intersections of Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation and Trans Experience in Confronting Anti-Black Racism and Structural Violence in Prisoner Re-entry, this groundbreaking research initiative with Dr. Wesley Crichlow as the principal researcher (PI) at Ontario Tech University in collaboration with Egale Canada, researchers, and 14 community organizations. The study was conducted from August 2023 to April 2024 during the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and anti-Black racism.
Emma Joseph (she/her) is a policy professional supporting efforts to reduce systemic inequities, combat discrimination, and anti-Black racism faced by Black Canadian communities and Black intersections. Emma holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Ontario Tech University and a Master of Public Policy and Administration from Toronto Metropolitan University. Having previously worked on research projects in various capacities, Emma is most passionate about projects surrounding vulnerable populations in complex environments, such as Black youth in post-secondary education systems and prisoners’ rights during health crises. Her first co-publication, The ‘She-Cession’ and Black Womanhood During the Pandemic: What Is to Be Done?, focused on how the COVID-19 economic crisis in Canada severely and disproportionately impacted Black women. As an ally with a proven track record of collaboration and leading program policy and research, she brings a diverse skill set.
Tandy Clarke is a dedicated Mental Health Court Worker for Cota-Health at Ontario Court of Justice Toronto. With over 8 years of experience supporting individuals living with mental illness who are navigating the criminal justice system. Tandy Clarke brings a client-centred approach to advocacy, diversion, and rehabilitation.
Tandy Clarke holds a Honours Degree in Criminology, Justice Studies at University of Ontario Institute of Technology, and a post-graduate diploma in Law & Administration from Durham College. Her commitment in advocacy and bridging the gaps between the legal and mental health system, is grounded that recovery and reduce recidivism is possible for individuals living with mental health challenges.
Andre, a Jamaican development professional, focuses on equity, diversity, and inclusion with an intersectional and trauma-informed approach. Based in Toronto, he promotes holistic wellness programs for youth in community and healthcare settings, addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Originally in media and public relations, Cooper now leads social development programs, managing diverse teams and improving social services systems. A passionate advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, he serves as an LGBTQ+ advisor to the city of Toronto.
Jill Robinson is a dedicated community activist and parent with deep ties to the LGBTQ+ community. As the mother of a trans daughter, she brings personal insight and passion to her advocacy for equity, inclusion, and social justice. Jill has worked extensively in race relations and currently serves with the City of Toronto, supporting homeless and refugee populations. Her activism also includes impactful work addressing youth violence and violence against women, reflecting her commitment to protecting vulnerable communities and fostering systemic change. Her work bridges grassroots activism and public service, driven by a commitment to creating safer, more compassionate communities for all.
Alexis is a research fellow and upper-year Criminology and Justice Studies student at Ontario Tech University. In addition to receiving multiple President’s List distinctions, she is also a member of the Undergraduate Student Research Fellowship program at Ontario Tech. As an aspiring criminologist who is passionate about investigating the intersection of anti-Black racism, homophobia and transphobia, and the prison industrial complex, Alexis is excited to help transform the project’s in-depth research into constructive advocacy and social change – while making a lasting impact in the field Black and Queer criminology.
Andrea is a Toronto-based lawyer who conducts client consultations, engages in strategic negotiations between parties, manages client files, executes legal research and analysis, and represents clients at the Sookhoo Law Professional Corporation. Andrea’s extensive professional experience allows her to contribute valuable and crucial legal expertise to the Black LGBTQ Justice Canada.
Anne-Marie Singh is a Professor in the Department of Criminology, a member of the Yeates School of Graduate Studies and a Research Fellow at the Centre for Digital Humanities, at Toronto Metropolitan University. She has an inter-disciplinary and international education with a DPhil in Sociology from the University of London (UK), a MA in Criminology from the University of Toronto and a BA (Honours) in Sociology and Criminology from the University of Toronto.
Arena provides sexual, gender, and reproductive wellness education in Mi’kma’ki. She has a background in peer support and facilitation, and has been involved with organizations such as the LGBT Youthline and Planned Parenthood Toronto. She is passionate about transforming the sex education landscape by using a 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive, trauma informed, decolonial approach.
Bervin Garraway is a social services leader with over 40 years of experience in child and youth care, community development, and volunteer engagement. Since 1975, he has held key roles in Ontario and Alberta, overseeing complex child welfare cases, mentoring staff, and promoting equity and accountability. Beyond his professional work, Bervin has contributed to research and advocacy on systemic racism, youth empowerment, and health disparities, including studies on Ontario’s criminal justice system and AIDS in ethno-cultural communities. He holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and advanced training in mediation, pluralism studies, and criminal justice. Known for integrity and collaborative leadership, Bervin’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to cultural competence, social advocacy, and community empowerment.
Helena is a bilingual black woman who advocates for inclusion, diversity, equity, and safe space in the workplace for vulnerable groups. Currently, Helena serves as the Research Analyst for a non-profit organisation where she provides qualitative and quantitative research information in support of the health, rights, status, inclusion, and quality of life of off-reserve status and non-status Indian, Métis, and southern Inuit Aboriginal Peoples living across Canada. She supports the organisation’s internal and external research activities and inquiries and is committed to strengthening the organisation’s advocacy work through the highest quality of evidence-based briefs, reports, and recommendations based on primary and/or secondary data. Previously, Helena served as a Project Coordinator for Building Capacity for Gender Equality where she provided tools to promote Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in the workplace. Helena advocated in her work for the rights, inclusion, and representation of the disabled visible minorities and the marginalized groups. Helena has a bachelor degree in Social Sciences.
Dr. L. Visano, PhD (Sociology, University of Toronto), is a Professor of Human Rights and Director of Undergraduate Programs in Equity Studies at York University. His research explores criminology, policing, law, and social justice, with a focus on the institutionalization of inequality and the cultural hegemony. He has advised government bodies including Corrections Canada, the Ministry of Justice, and multiple police services, and served on boards such as the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and the Canadian Institute for International Policing. Dr. Visano has authored 13 books, published widely, and presented internationally. He holds honorary degrees from Huntington University and the Accademia Internazionale di Pontzen, and has received numerous teaching awards for his contributions to education and equity.
Dr. Tanitiã Munroe is an education scholar-practitioner and applied researcher committed to transforming Canada’s K–12 landscape so African, Afro-Caribbean, and Black (ACB) students can thrive in schools that honour their brilliance. She holds a PhD in Adult Education and Community Development from OISE at the University of Toronto, and her research advances Black Studies in Canada by centering Black families’ advocacy, knowledge, and cultural wealth as transformative forces in education. Grounded in Black feminist methodologies, Critical Race Theory, and Community Cultural Wealth frameworks, her work explores how families and youth mobilize care, advocacy, and cultural knowledge to reimagine education through justice-oriented policy and practice. As Senior Research Coordinator at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), she leads equity-focused research in literacy, STEM, and student well-being, and teaches in the Child and Youth Care program at Toronto Metropolitan University, mentoring future practitioners to use research as a tool for advocacy and transformation. A recipient of the 2023 Viola Desmond Award, Dr. Munroe continues to reimagine education through community-rooted, justice-centered approaches that amplify the voices and experiences of Black youth and families.
Tristan Williams is an educator and equity practitioner dedicated to supporting marginalized and racialized youth. With experience in school boards, community organizations, and postsecondary settings, he has led initiatives that promote inclusion, student success, and systemic change. Tristan is deeply committed to creating safe, affirming spaces for Black and LGBTQ2S+ students, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. He has worked with the Halton District School Board, CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals, and Ontario Tech University, focusing on mentorship, advocacy, and culturally responsive education.
Briana is a caseworker and community navigator at Roots Community Services, providing community members with housing assistance. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, aligning with her passion for supporting diverse communities. Briana brings her significant knowledge of community wellbeing and psychology to the team.
Deborah is a Fellow of the Certified General Accountants of Canada and the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario and British Columbia. She is also a certified project manager and an Associate of the Chartered Governance Institute of Canada. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, an MBA, and a master’s in Project Management and Evaluation for Development Projects from the University of the West Indies. Her PhD research in Public Policy and Administration at Carleton University, Decolonializing Sodomy Laws in the English-Speaking Caribbean: A Comparative Analysis of Barbados and The Bahamas, was approved. Deborah has extensive experience in the non-profit sector at both governance and operational levels, having held senior leadership roles and served on boards of local and international organizations. Before moving to Canada, she was an adjunct professor at the University of the West Indies and consulted with various Caribbean organizations and governments, including the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination, Guyana’s Vulnerable Communities Coalition, the Government of Barbados, and the Caribbean Community.
In addition to being a professor and member of the Department of Sociology and Gender, Feminist and Women’s Studies and Social and Political Thought at York University, Dr. Elaine Coburn also serves as York’s Director of the Centre for Feminist Research. Through her extensive research of social justice, neoliberal globalization, socialist feminism, and Indigenous and anti-racist perspectives, Dr. Coburn has contributed to the Centre d’analyse et d’intervention sociologiques (CADIS), the American University of Paris, the Journal of Canadian Studies and on the editorial board of the Canadian Review of Sociology, and Literary Review of Canada.
Keith Cunningham is a second-year PhD student and Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Faculty of Child and Youth Studies at Brock University. He also works as a part-time faculty member at Humber College and is a practicing child and youth psychotherapist. Keith has held leadership roles in children’s mental health and various social service organizations across Toronto. He holds a certified micro-credential from Dalhousie University, qualifying him to conduct Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs) to support judicial decision-making in Ontario sentencing processes for Black people who are incarcerated. His doctoral research critically examines the systemic criminalization of Black boys within the child welfare system in Ontario. This research is, in part, informed by his lived experience growing up in Jamaica, where strong familial and community-based support contrasted sharply with the state-mediated care experienced by many Black boys in Ontario; experiences that are often marked by marginalization, racialization, and limited access to opportunity resources to compete in higher education and employment.
Matthew is a social psychologist with a specialty in understanding how perceptions of systemic oppression impact health behaviours of marginalized populations. Dr. Wilmot has experience working in the fields of education and healthcare both as an experimental and applied social psychologist; having collaborated with secondary and post-secondary institutions in both the United States and Canada in the delivery of large-scale, multi-site interventions to address racial and gender gaps in the academic performance and physical health. They currently serve as the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing Coordinator at the Durham Family Court Clinic in Oshawa.
Shain is the Social Media and Marketing Officer at Egale Canada. With an educational background in applied sciences and social services, Shain has always wanted his work to be impactful and part of a greater cause. Throughout his work with various nonprofits supporting youth to older adults and his 2-year entrepreneurial endeavor as a co-founder of The No Label Brand – an accessories brand that brought together and gave back to the community – Shain is thrilled to bring his values, mindset, and skillset to the Black LGBTQ Justice Canada.
