Nominated by member scholarly associations of the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, the 2022 Congress Graduate Merit Awards recognize exceptional graduate students who will be presenting their work at the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Tell us about yourself.
In 2019, Jada received a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Child studies from Concordia University. Jada also received a Master’s in Social Work from McGill University in 2021. Jada is currently pursuing a master’s thesis in sociology at Concordia University. Jada’s research examines the structural, multidimensional, and colonial roots of Black LGBTQ+ people’s discrimination, stress, and emotional distress.
Which scholarly association(s) are you currently a member of?
- Black Canadian Studies Association
- Canadian Sociological Association
At which conference(s) will you be presenting and/or attending?
- Black Canadian Studies Association: Black Solidarities, Thought, and the Quest for Black Freedom
- Canadian Sociological Association: Igniting Change Through Sociology
What is the title of your Congress 2022 presentation?
Gatekeeping and Structural Violence in Accessing Gender-Affirming Experiences and Support Among Trans and Gender Diverse Youth in Quebec
How would you describe the research you will be presenting at Congress 2022?
The current model of trans healthcare practised in Quebec involves trans people obtaining permission from a psychologist, sexologist, general practitioner or in some instances a social worker to access gender-affirming care (GAC). Medical science upholds the binary system by suggesting that most trans people desire medically transitioning from one binary gender to another; thus, requiring one's “transness" to be attested by health practitioners; the gatekeepers. While navigating western institutions, the needs, and voices of trans and gender diverse youth may be silenced to prioritize the opinions of their parents and the health practitioners who seek to uphold cisnormativity.
How does the research you will be presenting connect with the Congress 2022 theme, Transitions?
This presentation provides a brief historical presentation of policies that lead Trans and gender diverse youth in Quebec to experience structural violence and human rights violations. Following is a review of the literature on the need to depathologize trans experiences and honour the self-determination of youth. The author also presents two alternative models to trans healthcare, the informed consent model and the gender-affirming model. Both models have promise in shifting away from paternalistic modes of care and transforming trans healthcare at the micro and macro level.
Share your hopes for Congress 2022.
I hope to learn and connect with Black, Indigenous, and other scholars of colour during the congress. I also hope to attend workshops, panels, and presentations on decolonial forms of social justice.