What we do

Building scholarship by and about Trans+ people

The Chair in Transgender Studies is committed to generating solid reliable information about the real world to drive social change and improve the well-being of Trans+ people. We support and build healthy communities by facilitating activities of interest to Trans+ people and their allies.

The Transgender Archives

The Transgender Archives is a part of the University of Victoria Libraries and an integral part of the Chair in Transgender Studies.

We believe that the history of pioneering Trans+ activists and the work they have done on behalf of their communities must be preserved. The Transgender Archives is actively acquiring documents, rare publications, and memorabilia of persons and organizations that have worked for the betterment of Trans+ people.

The Transgender Archives at the University of Victoria Libraries is open to the public, faculty, students, and scholars free of charge.

The Chair in Transgender Studies encompasses the Chair holder, visiting academic and community-based scholars, graduate students, and staff. We are closely associated with the Transgender Archives, founded by the Chair who now also serves as the Academic Director of the Transgender Archives.

Moving Trans History Forward conferences

The Chair also hosts biennial international Moving Trans History Forward conferences which started in 2014. Close to 1,000 Trans+ community activists, researchers, educators, artists, service providers, family members, and allies have come together at these conferences to understand their past and to work together to create a better future.

Other activities 

Other activities of the Chair include a scholarships and fellowships program; a speakers series including lectures by graduate students, local and visiting scholars; social events; arts and cultural events; hosting visiting research scholars from around the world, and advising government and non-profits agencies on policies and practices.