1. Mapping Transgender Activism
The Transgender Archives is home to the world's largest collection of materials related to the history of Trans+ activism. Collections include rare print, archival, and research materials from the Rikki Swin Institute of Chicago; the archives of trans activists Virginia Prince, Aiyanna Maracle, Red Jordan Arobeteau, and many others; as well as the extensive University of Ulster Trans-Gender Archives collection. Working under the supervision of the Chair in Transgender Studies, or designate, and in consultation with the Director, Special Collections & University Archivist, the successful applicant(s) will have the unique opportunity to review these collections and participate in our Mapping Transgender Activism project. The Mapping Transgender Activism project involves using pre-defined methodologies to analyze archival documents, recording data points for each document (e.g. names, dates, locations), scanning the documents, and inputting the data into a centralized database. This database will be uploaded to our online Discovery Tool (Microsoft Power BI), generating a powerful search engine and an interactive global digital map that visually illustrates connections between historical trans activists on a global scale. The outcome of this project produces a search engine and dynamic map that serves as a useful discovery tool for community and academic researchers who are interested in how historical trans activists exchanged ideas and influenced each other before the advent of the internet. By revealing these important historical connections, the Mapping Transgender Activism project will support original research in the fields of transgender studies, history, gender studies, library & archival science, history, health, cultural studies, education, law, and sociology, among other disciplines. Visit the following link to view the current Discovery Tool: https://www.uvic.ca/transgenderarchives/discovery-tool/index.php
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: The University of Victoria is home to the Chair in Transgender Studies and The Transgender Archives (TGA). The TGA preserves original documents recording the history of pioneering activists, community leaders, and researchers who have contributed to the betterment of Trans+ people. Our records of research go back over 130 years, while our records of activism span over 65 years and are in 15 languages from 23 countries on all continents. At over 160 meters (or 1.5 football fields long), our collections comprise the largest trans archives in the world. These collections are free and open to the public.
Student roles:
Under the direction of the Chair in Transgender Studies, or designate, and in consultation with the Director, Special Collections & University Archivist, the successful applicant(s) will utilize pre-defined methodologies to review and read physical archival materials, record specific data points for each document (e.g. people, places, dates), scan the document's cover, and input the data into a centralized database. Successful applicant(s) must be comfortable with following a pre-defined methodology, following detailed instructions, and general computer operation, including a basic understanding of Microsoft Excel as well as Microsoft Forms. This one-of-a-kind experience will appeal to students in multi- and cross-disciplinary studies, as well as students of transgender or gender studies, library & archival science, law, history, health, art history and visual studies, cultural studies, education, law, and sociology.
This project continues the work started by previous Mitacs interns who have recorded data about Trans+ activist networks from the 60s until the early 2000s. This is what one intern said about their time working with us: "Being able to get an insight into the Transgender Archives' unique holdings at such a broad scale equipped me with more knowledge about past transgender activism than I ever thought could be possible in just three months. My stay at the Archives taught me how to navigate through Transgender history and challenged me to understand in which way groups of transgender, transsexual, transvestite, crossdressing, and gender-nonconforming people raised their voices against the discrimination they faced in the past and what this had to do with their general standing in society."
Skills required:
The successful student(s) will have a demonstrated interest in Trans+ history, gender, cultural, and/or sexuality studies, a strong record of academic excellence, and an interest in pursuing graduate-level studies. Students with a background in multi- and cross-disciplinary studies would be strong applicants. The student(s) will have demonstrated an interest in conducting detail-oriented research, will be comfortable with basic data manipulation using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Forms, and have a high level of proficiency, accuracy, and organization. An awareness of, and commitment to, the role of academic research in supporting social change will be considered an asset.