Julie Kaye
Biography
Julie Kaye is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Saskatchewan. Working in the areas of critical criminology, community research and organizing, and feminist, decolonial scholarship, Dr. Kaye’s research examines settler-colonialism and Indigenous-led responses to varying forms of colonial gender violence and criminalization as well as harm reduction, consent, self-determination, and body sovereignty. Her forthcoming book – Responding to Human Trafficking: Dispossession, Colonial Violence, and Resistance among Indigenous and Racialized Women, published by University of Toronto press (August 2017) – examines anti-trafficking responses in the context of settler-colonialism in Canada. Dr. Kaye’s engaged work has led to a number of community mobilization activities, such as the community-based artistic work, Our Breaking Point: Canada’s Violation of Rights in Life and Deathand publications such as a contribution to the reconciliation symposium in the Canadian Review of Sociology. She has also led critical investigations into responses to human trafficking, which can be found in Social Inclusion and the Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice. She makes her work on international comparisons of legislation affecting sex industries, and the effects of such legislations on sex workers, migrant workers, and human rights widely available, including publications in New York Times, Toronto Star, and Edmonton Journal.
Node Funded Project (April 2016)
Title: Sex Work and Harm Reduction in Edmonton: Safe Spaces, Healthy Options, Secure Choices
Principal Investigator: Julie Kaye, University of Saskatchewan
Co-investigators:
Laura Aylsworth, University of Alberta
Description:
Individuals participating in the sex trade operate within a matrix of marginalization, violence, and risk, yet are often silenced when it comes to building knowledge about, and creating resources for, their lives and work. To adequately understand the various factors contributing to this matrix, and the wide ranging experiences of sex workers, it is essential that we listen to those involved and establish services and recommendations that are appropriate to their real lives. This Participatory Action Research (PAR) project employs a collaborative research team to identify and address harms associated with involvement in the sex industry, including reducing the harms associated with drug use as part of working conditions. The project further considers potential models of sex worker-led supports to increase safety and security in Edmonton.
This project was recently presented at the CRISM Prairie Node 2nd Annual Gathering held Nov 16-17, 2017 in Calgary, AB.
