Researcher Background
I am a PhD student in Developmental Psychology and Education at the University of Toronto, with a focus on understanding marginalized identities, how they impact people’s lives, the way they view themselves, and move in the world. I am also interested in holistic mental health, moving away from traditional Western medical models to center the well-being of the whole person, not just symptoms.
My research has explored how second-generation Black youth negotiate their identities (what they choose, when they choose, etc.), and how racialized immigrant-origin high school students view school and teachers. I have contributed to an ongoing systematic review on the impact of anti-Black racism on the health of young Black people. I am currently leading a systematic review evaluating discrimination measures validated for racialized young people for my thesis. Additionally, I have collected demographic data for my university’s Master's of Teaching program to get a detailed demographic picture of the student body to support future equity work. I have also supported research on Black queer joy and freedom dreaming in the Caribbean, including projects on acceptance and support for queer youth in Caribbean schools.
My background directly connects with this study on racialized 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. I have experience researching discrimination, queer identities, and working closely with Black and other racialized communities. I am committed to work that uplifts diverse voices and centers lived experience.
Purpose of this Research Project
The purpose of this research project is to understand the everyday experiences of discrimination (microaggressions), belonging, and mental health among racialized 2SLGBTQIA+ young adults and how they are interconnected.
We are interested in the types of microaggressions participants face within communities that align with their identities, where they feel a sense of belonging, and the factors that help maintain or strengthen that connection.
Our study focuses on two main types of community belonging: racial-ethnic-cultural and 2SLGBTQIA+. We aim to explore what influences a stronger sense of belonging or disconnection from community, such as outness, identity affirmation, experienced microaggressions and support systems. We will also examine the frequency and impact of discrimination, and whether certain factors, particularly community belonging, help lower the negative impact these experiences have on holistic mental health.
How this Research Will Help 2SLGBTQ+ People and Communities
This research will help 2SLGBTQIA+ people and communities by showing what truly fosters inclusion and supports mental health for those with intersecting racialized and queer identities. By amplifying the voices of racialized 2SLGBTQIA+ young people, the study will reveal which community practices and support networks best promote connection and resilience.
Approaching mental health from a non-Western, community-based perspective, the project will offer strategies to reduce the negative impact of exclusion and discrimination. Strengthening a sense of belonging is central to this goal, as it can buffer against mental health challenges. The findings will hopefully guide the development of programs, resources, and advocacy that reflect the needs of racialized 2SLGBTQIA+ people, helping communities become more affirming and better support mental well-being.
Eligibility & Participation
Participants must live in Ontario and be fluent in English. To be considered for the qualitative portion of the study, they must first complete the survey. Those selected for the qualitative study need daily access to a smartphone capable of downloading apps for the photograph task. For the initial meeting and interview, participants must be able to meet either in person in Toronto or virtually via Zoom, with reliable internet access and a microphone (a camera is only necessary if they consent to video recording). An email address is also required to receive gift card links, an invitation to participate in the qualitative study, and a summary of the qualitative research findings (for feedback in the focus group session).
Compensation
Participants who complete the online survey will receive a $9 Tim Hortons gift card.
Those selected for the qualitative portion (10 participants total) will receive up to $104 in gift cards. Compensation includes: $5 (gift card of choice) for an initial meeting to review consent, explain the study, and set up the photo submission app; $14 ($2 per day) for completing the daily photograph task; $25 (gift card of choice) for a 1–1.5 hour interview; and $10 (gift card of choice) for providing feedback on the study findings, either by email or in a feedback/focus group session. Participants who attend the feedback session will also be entered into a draw to win one of three $50 gift cards of their choice.
Participant Support & Mitigation Measures
To minimize potential distress, participants may take breaks at any time or skip any survey questions, with a “prefer not to answer” option available throughout.
For the qualitative portion, participants can complete the daily photo task at any time of day that feels comfortable for them, and may skip and choose their own prompts (on discrimination, mental health, and/or belonging) if they wish. During interviews, participants are free to pause, take breaks, or skip questions as needed. Participants are encouraged to engage only when they feel comfortable, and are reminded that there are no right or wrong answers. Withdrawal from the study is allowed at any stage.
How to Participate / Recruitment
The study is being promoted through snowball sampling, with information shared by word of mouth within community groups, including a queer choir and Black student associations, where the principal investigator (V.K.) is an active member. Friends and colleagues have also distributed the survey within their networks. In addition, we have received access to the University of Toronto’s SONA platform, which is accessed by PSY100 students and includes both younger and older adults.