Ali Pearson

Ali Pearson (they/them) is a fourth-year PhD Social Work Student at the University of Toronto. They earned their Master of Social Work at the Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, in Social Justice and Diversity with a collaborative study in Sexual Diversity.

Ali’s research, Neuro-Queeriosity, is grounded in Social Justice and Diversity and focuses on the intersection of Gender Minority Identity and Neuro Minority Identity. Utilizing a mixed method, transformative-emancipation approach, they seek to expand understanding through intersectional and affirmative social approaches of how non-affirmation of identity is related to community connectedness, pride and camouflaging and how it impacts mental wellness outcomes for GNM individuals.

Ali is an active advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ and disability rights and is engaged in the FIFSW EDI Committee, PhD Student Association and Faculty Council. They are a course instructor in the Social Justice and Diversity Stream teaching Diversity, Access and Equity in Social Work Practice.

Ali is a committed community member providing training sessions and workshops through their grass roots organization, The Pride Project, in 2SLGBTQ+ inclusivity, queer consent, queer sex education and Neurodiversity.