QriTical is a new queer and trans new research hub based at Mount Royal University. Launched in March 2024, QriTical is a place for LGBTQ+ people to tackle issues in gender and sexuality, share knowledge and connect in a welcoming space.
Made up of experts from a wide range of faculties and students with a passion for queer rights, QriTical has lots to offer the MRU community. Celeste Pang and Corrine L. Mason, two professors of women and gender studies at MRU, are responsible for spearheading the hub. One of their colleagues, Lisa Gasson-Gardner, says it was their vision and persistence that led to the establishment of the hub.
The importance of queer spaces
The main objective of the new research hub is to forge connections within the queer space. Gasson-Gardner states that the research field was missing a space for queer people to gather and share knowledge.
Calgary is rich in queer people, queer spaces and queer pride. Amanda Gomez, co-founder of The Lavender Club, was a panelist at QriTical’s launch event and praised the hub for its research initiatives driven by queer people.
“We view QriTical as a necessary step in taking autonomy over our narratives,” said Gomez.
QriTical’s response to anti-trans legislation
This queer and trans research group launched just as Premier Danielle Smith announced a controversial proposal to change the province’s transgender policies.
“QriTical is a way to connect people with others who share these interests in the topics of queer research, and also in pursuit of justice and community for queer folk,” said Gasson-Gardner.
Addressing the manner in which queer and trans lives have been framed in the news, Gasson-Gardner spoke on how QriTical responded to the premier’s proposal.
“Within a week, we put together a teach-in with a variety of different scholars who work on trans issues,” said Gasson-Gardner. “Eight hundred people walked in to hear a direct response to the frankly inaccurate and harmful things Danielle Smith announced.”
Gasson-Gardner explained that community is at the core of the hub’s values. An important goal of QriTical is responding to what is happening in the community and to connect and communicate directly with faculty, students and the broader public.
Celebrating queer joy
QriTical hosts events at MRU so community members can celebrate queer joy. Gasson-Gardner noted, “We had an event where queer students on four different campuses gathered together and made art all about what queer joy means to them.”
She added, “We want to provide an opportunity to be proud and to be happy and not to be focused on the news.”
QriTical’s launch marks a special day in history for MRU. Gasson-Gardner explains what makes the hub such a standout in Alberta.
“I think having a queer and trans research hub on campus makes us super awesome. It puts MRU on the map as a place that is ready to talk about these cutting-edge issues.”
Get QriTical: student colluquium
Student involvement is a high priority for QriTical. The last event of the semester was a student colloquium hosted on April 5 to highlight student research and projects. The colloquium had two student panel presentations, with six students per panel.
“What I’m really proud of is that it’s really going to be like a student-led event,” said Gasson-Gardner.