Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the Lambda Scholarship Canada Graduate Award at McMaster University!

The recipient of the award has formally thanked Lambda Foundation, but due to personal circumstances, they need to remain anonymous.

Their situation is a reminder of the reality many 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals face: while some may find spaces of freedom and affirmation at universities, workplaces, or within chosen communities, others are forced to remain closeted in different parts of their lives to protect their safety, livelihood, or relationships.

This is why Lambda’s work matters. By supporting scholarships, mentorship, and research, we help ensure that queer and trans people—especially those navigating intersecting barriers—can thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Your support enables us to continue breaking down systemic barriers and to create opportunities for the next generation of leaders who, like this year’s recipient, are working to make the world more inclusive and just.

Biography

The recipient is a queer woman completing a master’s degree who is passionate about creating and sustaining spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.

She works in peer support with queer students, serving as both a source of guidance and a point of connection for community and belonging. Her dedication to creating safer, more welcoming environments where everyone can thrive stems from her lived experience and strong commitment to social justice. Her activism encompasses both local volunteer work and global causes, stemming from her understanding of the interconnectedness of struggles for justice and freedom.

Research and Interests

Her research and practice focus on harm reduction, particularly the intersections of substance use disorder and precarious housing, which disproportionately impact marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ people.

She is currently collaborating with Indigenous partners to develop a project that incorporates wise practices while respecting the principles of self-governance and self-determination for Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island. With a goal of helping to eradicate hepatitis C and ensuring that those living with sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections have the resources needed to live healthy lives free of stigma, her work seeks to advance health equity and expand access to care. Through her efforts, she honours the strength and resilience of the communities she serves.

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Established by the Lambda Foundation in 2022, the Lambda Scholarship Canada Graduate Award Fund is bestowed by the McMaster University School of Graduate Studies upon a first-year graduate student who identifies as a member of the queer or trans community and is Black, racialized, or Indigenous.

Together, we can build a future where 2SLGBTQIA+ and QTBIPOC individuals thrive through education, research, and meaningful opportunities.