2026 Graduates
Eleanor Wiens Farrelly
“Eleanor Wiens Farrelly just graduated from UofT with an HBA in Sexual Diversity Studies and Cinema Studies and a minor in Creative Expression and Society. Eleanor will be presenting the results of her major SDS research paper on Aro/Ace representation in ‘Hazbin Hotel’ at an online June conference with the University of Birmingham. She will also be volunteering with FIFA this summer. In September Eleanor will commence an MA in Screen Cultures and Curatorial Studies at Queen’s University. Eleanor is thankful to SDS and all her professors and peers for such an amazing, educational past four years!”
Erika Ozols
“Erika Ozols (she/her) is graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Arts, major in Critical Studies in Equity and Solidarity, with double minors in Sexual Diversity Studies and Women and Gender Studies. Erika will be completing an internship with the Federation of Black Canadians, in the Community Organizer position, helping to build equity and connect Black Canadians to employment and education opportunities. Aside from that, Erika will continue working within Student Life at UofT, as well as returning to UofT’s largest student publication, The Varsity in the Fall, as their Photo Editor.”
Aldrina Chen
“When I started undergrad, I had no idea what SDS was, let alone that I wanted to study under this program. What started as a placeholder became the most fulfilling academic endeavour I could’ve possibly chosen. SDS has gotten me to constantly examine the way society is structured, particularly who gets excluded on the basis of sexuality, race, gender, and/or ability. I’ve come to understand my own racialized queerness, and how to support others like me.
I hope to take my experiences with SDS and apply them to my library work. Although I’m still working to become a librarian, I think that I’ll be well equipped to help those in my community, especially those who need access to free/low-cost library services”
Franca Ciannavei
“I’m graduating with an HBA in SDS and Political Sciences! I’ll be starting my MA in Critical Disability Studies at York in September, and I’m currently devoting my time to starting a carework collective called The Trans* Sibling Collective alongside my co-conspirator (and partner) Calista :)”
Jesse Grant
“My time in the SDS undergraduate program has been incredible. I am fortunate to have engaged in many of the extracurricular activities and opportunities provided by the SDS department. During my first year in the program, I was an editor of the Hardwire Undergraduate Journal, where I learned about the process of developing a professional journal with my peers and honed my editing skills. During my final year, I also participated in the QTRL as a research assistant with Theo Cuthand on his documentary Unsettled Climate, which further developed my interdisciplinary research skills. I also presented in the 2026 SDS Research Colloquium for the course SDS460: Advanced Research with my classmates as well as SDS graduate students. Most importantly, however, I developed strong connections and friendships with my peers and instructors that will last a lifetime.
I will be continuing my studies at The University of Toronto this fall, working towards my Master of Information Sciences degree in the Archives and Record Management stream, and I hope to continue my connection with SDS through the Collaborative Specialization degree.”
Mackenzie Young
“I have been accepted to the OISE Master’s of Teaching Program for the Primary/Junior age range. I am hoping to focus my research of gender inclusive practices and pedagogy within elementary school settings. My main goal is to look at being an educator through the lessons and skills learned within the SDS and WGS program.”
Shilin (Linda) Li
“I graduated today from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Ethics, Society and Law and Sexual Diversity Studies, and a minor in Political Science. This fall, I will be beginning the Master of Public Policy program at the Munk School. As part of my graduate studies, I plan to pursue the Collaborative Specialization in Sexual Diversity Studies, continuing to explore the intersections of policy, social justice, and queerness.
I’m incredibly grateful for my time in the SDS undergraduate program and excited to carry the perspectives and skills I developed in the program into my future studies and work.”
Emma Bellon
“I will be graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Sexual Diversity Studies, and Women and Gender Studies. Although I’m not sure of the exact path I want to take, I’m hoping to explore the field of community-based (and led) psychology with a focus on queer and racialized populations. I look forward to continuing to learn from both academic and experiential sources throughout my journey!”
Margaux Bagtas
“Throughout my undergrad I was always passionate about queer and trans studies, along with a focus on diasporic studies, and SDS was able to offer that experience for me! As an SDS minor, I was able to learn more about myself and what I would like to do after university. I’ve been honoured to also receive two scholarships from SDS through my involvement with NewPRIDE. I’m currently in the banking industry to take a break from school but looking to go back to grad school to pursue Urban/City planning!”
Xu Xu
“After graduation, I plan to apply for law schools in the fall and eventually make a career out of LGBTQ+ advocacy.”
Luna Galvez Pozo
“I am planning to study anatomy at George Brown this September and will be applying to midwifery for fall 2027.”
Val Skandalakis
“After a long journey at University of Toronto, I am taking a restful break to reflect on the highs, lows and even the mediocre moments while planning out where to head to next. I am ever thankful for opportunities and achievements I accomplished within the SDS department and the connections with faculty and peers who have been supportive, friendly, and welcoming the whole way through.
Working within the world of writing or sexual health would be ideal, but in the meantime, I am spending time reconnecting with my creative hobbies and caring for myself so that I can meet the next chapter head on and with clarity. Overall, university was a difficult experience yet incredibly rewarding.”
Japneet Kaur
“When I arrived at UofT in 2022 I only planned to study drama, but an introductory SDS course in my first year taught me how performance extends beyond the stage. Everything we do in our lives is drama— especially when we construct & perform gender and sexuality. Being a student in the SDS program & a Research Assistant at the Queer & Trans Research Lab has helped me deconstruct what I know about the world around me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it!”