About Us

Dr. Pereira’s research uses queer theory to think differently about academic underachievement and success, especially for ethnoracialized, and gender and sexual minority students. His work explores how students’ schooling experiences impact their educational pathways. He teaches about queer youth in education for the Sexual Diversity Studies program at the University of Toronto and was a past director of its Sexual & Gender Diversity Office. You’ll find them wandering through urban forests or running on side streets rather than online.

Ali Greey is a second-year doctoral student in the University of Toronto’s Department of Sociology. Their research reflects their interest in how gender diversity and sexuality are understood in and through schools. Their published work also looks at how trans people navigate binary-gendered restrooms and locker rooms. Ali is a retired Canadian national team boxer, and their hobbies included riding bikes, rock climbing, reading science fiction, and taking care of their 50+ house plants.

Thomas Frattaroli is a first-year doctoral student in York University’s Faculty of Education. His research examines queer-inclusive pedagogies in Teacher Preparation programs in Ontario. As a certified teacher, Thomas has taught high school Social Science, Mathematics, and, most passionately, English. Thomas is a self-proclaimed book worm with a personal library of nearly 700 books. You can find Thomas planning for his next adventure (only once it’s safe to do so!)

Pearl Finkerzon is an undergraduate student in the Faculty of Education at York university. Her undergraduate degree focuses on French, Philosophy, Law and Social Thought, and Visual Arts. She is interested in community-based learning and outdoor education as a hands-on interactive approach to second language acquisition. As an educator, Pearl strongly believes that creating and maintaining safe spaces where youth can share their lived experiences is crucial.  Pearl is passionate about sustainable low-impact living, simmering soups and incorporating found objects into art.

Vijay Saravanamuthu is a multi-talented community organizer with a passion for holistic wellness. He is a queer Tamil man living in Scarborough and has been meaningfully engaged in equity-seeking work with racialized communities over the last 15 years. Vijay works as a Health Promoter focusing on community education within Toronto’s non-profit sector addressing social determinants of health and dismantling barriers towards achieving greater health equity.  Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in English and Health Policy at the University of Toronto, Vijay harnesses creative approaches to expand contemporary understandings of place, space and queerness as experienced by racialized bodies.  Vijay is an arts enthusiast, aspiring health researcher and advocate for social justice. He enjoys cooking, eating, has a green thumb and thrives in the sunshine. 

Neel Desai  is currently a second-year undergraduate student studying at University of Toronto (St. George), double majoring in the Human Biology and Women & Gender Studies programs. His areas of study and passion are specifically engaging in critical feminist theory and scientific research related to gendered and sexualized violence, sexual/queer health and reproductive justice. His goal within the Beyond Bullying Project is to bring his own personal experience and insight surrounding queerness, sexual diversity and intersectional feminism, and of course meet other fellow BBP undergraduates who aim to do the same! 

Vaishnavy Puvipalan is a second-year undergraduate student at theUniversity of Toronto completing specialists in English and Psychology. She isinterested in researching the challenges faced by queer Toronto youth,specifically navigating school, mental health, and homelessness. Her shortfiction has appeared in the Hart House Review and she regularly contributesto The Underground. In her spare time, she pursues her passion for Tetris,amateur soap-making, and reading John Donne. She is incredibly glad to be apart of the Beyond Bullying Project!