Researcher Profiles

Catherine Taylor

Catherine Taylor, Professor, Faculty of Education and Dept of Rhetoric and Communications

Can you share a brief description of your current research?

I investigate school climate and how to improve it for sexual and gender minority students – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Two Spirit, queer and questioning – and students with sexual and gender minority parents. Co-investigator Dr Tracey Peter and I conducted a study funded by Egale Canada called “Every Class in Every School” which surveyed over 3700 Canadian students on this topic. I am currently leading a SSHRC-funded study called the “Every Teacher Project” which aims to identify the collective expertise of Canadian teachers on LGBTQ-inclusive education: what works, what doesn’t; what helps them teach in inclusive ways, what holds them back. The research team is working in close partnership with Manitoba Teachers’ Society. I am very happy to say that every provincial, territorial, and national teacher organization in Canada has signed on to the project, which clearly suggests growing support for LGBTQ students among their teachers. I am also leading a project in partnership with Manitoba Association of School Superintendents to identify the school-level interventions (curriculum, student clubs, anti-bullying programs, etc.) that have been implemented in school divisions across the country. This is part of a $2 million CIHR-funded study designed to determine what kinds of interventions promote resilience and improve climate for LGBTQ students in different school contexts.

In what ways could this research affect the average person?

I have already heard from many youth, parents, and educators that the school climate survey report has been taken up in schools and teacher organizations across the country and used to support policy and program changes. Shifting school climate for LGBTQ students improves life for them, their parents, their friends and family (and of course for the many heterosexual students who are homophobically harassed).

For you personally, why do you want to do this kind of research?

I’m part of the LGBTQ community and I am well aware of the issues facing our children and youth. This work needs to be done precisely because so many people are still opposed to LGBTQ equality, and especially to teaching children and youth that it’s okay to be gay. I can use my research skills to make a difference.

What is the most satisfying part of this research?

The many, many occasions I have to work with educators and students who want to contribute to the effort. I feel that we have finally reached a moment in history when progress is being made on this front.

What kind of student involvement do you have in this research?

Students have worked as research assistants in number of capacities, developing skills in online survey design, professional communications, data analysis, and project reports and presentations. Student RAs from Education, Rhetoric and Communications, Sociology, and Women’s and Gender Studies have brought energy and commitment to the research and contributed in many ways. I’m delighted to have been able to hire former Cultural Studies student Chris Campbell as Project Coordinator.

What would you say to students who may be interested in this field of study?

This is an exciting time to be working to create LGBTQ-inclusive schools, and The University of Winnipeg is a wonderful place to do it. If you want to do research that makes a difference in people’s lives, your time has come!