Bio

Robert Mizzi is a Canada Research Chair and Full Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba, Canada, and an award-winning TEDx speaker. His research focuses on promoting respect for and understanding of sexual and gender diversity through education. Throughout his career, he has worked as a researcher or educator in more than fifteen countries, has published over fifty academic articles, and is is an editor or author of nine books. Prof. Mizzi has been inducted into the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame and the Royal Society of Canada. He recently produced a documentary on the creation of a LGBTQ+ history mural in Canada, which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/C7fuCZ3Qz4w

Project

“Leadership and Learning at Rural LGBTQ+ Pride Festivals”

During the summer of 2024, he traveled across Canada to conduct research on lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other identities and orientations (LGBTQ+) pride festivals in rural communities and towns with fewer than 30,000 inhabitants. This project consisted of interviews with organizers, photographs, and observations of these events. Despite the growing violence towards LGBTQ+ people in Canada, the research highlights stories of courage, resiliency, and hope that we can all learn from. This project was funded by the Government of Canada. During the residency, his aim is to write an article for an academic journal based on this research, as well as to become familiar with and analyze the reality of the LGBTQ+ community in Andorra.