Individual residencies / Andorra
ROBERT MIZZI
From Monday, 4 May 2026 to Monday, 18 May 2026
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.
A Rainbow of Hope: Drawing Connections Between LGBTQ+ Life, Laughter, and Learning
Perhaps like many residents before me, I knew very little about Andorra when I applied for this residency. Research can only take you so far; what is often missing are the heartfelt stories that bring a place to life, inspire adventure, and give us the courage to try something new. My residency experience filled that void and reminded me of the importance of living authentically and remaining open to unexpected forms of learning and connection.
Andorra became the perfect setting to deepen my understanding of rural LGBTQ+ lives, a topic close to both my research and my heart. Living in La Massana, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and a slower pace of life, enriched my thinking in ways I had not anticipated. As a professor of education, I am constantly asking how we can create more inclusive spaces where everyone feels they belong. Yet Andorra reminded me that learning happens far beyond the walls of a classroom. During my residency, I reflected on and wrote about public spaces as “living classrooms,” places where people encounter and learn about sexual and gender diversity through everyday life, dialogue, and community.
One of the most meaningful parts of my stay was engaging with people across Andorra. Speaking with undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Andorra led to thoughtful conversations about the life-saving role teachers can play in supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Meeting with Diversand, Andorra’s LGBTQ+ association, opened rich discussions about queer leadership, especially in rural contexts, while also creating space for laughter, storytelling, and reflection. These exchanges left me feeling energized and hopeful, and they will continue to shape my research in exciting ways.
Beyond La Massana, my visits to Andorra la Vella, Encamp, Ordino, Canillo, and Escaldes-Engordany revealed the many layers of queer life in Andorra. LGBTQ+ people have always been part of the social fabric here, even when their stories remained less visible. I encountered a fascinating blend of rural and urban culture, where queer life can be both quietly personal and vibrantly present at the same time.
I leave Andorra inspired by the passion, activism, and generosity of the people I met, as well as by the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ communities and allies across the country. Most importantly, I leave with hope. There are exciting things ahead for LGBTQ+ people in Andorra, and together, we can continue making the rainbow brighter for future generations.
