Queer Professionals and Settler Colonialism: Engaging Decolonial Thought within Organizations

Queer Professionals and Settler Colonialism explores how white lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ2S+) people participate in white settler colonialism in Canada, highlighting the stories of non-Indigenous LGBTQ2S+ service providers who are doing important work to support Indigenous people and people of color.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2022
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Queer Professionals and Settler Colonialism is a groundbreaking book that delves into the complex relationship between white lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ2S+) individuals and white settler colonialism in Canada. It challenges the notion of an inclusive queer community by examining how these individuals participate in the broader processes of white settler colonialism.

The book is authored by Cameron Greensmith, who conducts an in-depth analysis of queer service organizations operating in Toronto. These organizations encompass a range of sectors, including health care, social service, and education, with the overarching mission of serving and supporting all LGBTQ2S+ individuals. Greensmith explores how these organizations and their politics are intertwined with the nation-state, examining how non-Indigenous LGBTQ2S+ individuals contribute to the perpetuation of white settler colonial conditions that displace, erase, and inflict violence upon Indigenous people and people of color.

One of the critical aspects of the book is its critique of the ways in which queer organizations address race and Indigeneity. It highlights the stories of non-Indigenous LGBTQ2S+ service providers, including volunteers, outreach workers, health care professionals, social workers, and administrators, who are doing vital work to help, care for, and heal Indigenous communities. These individuals' stories offer a glimpse into how service providers envision their work, their roles, and their responsibilities. By centering the narratives of non-Indigenous LGBTQ2S+ service providers, the book seeks to challenge the dominant narratives that often overlook the contributions and experiences of these individuals in the fight against racism and settler colonialism.

Through its exploration of the intersections of queer identities, settler colonialism, and race, Queer Professionals and Settler Colonialism offers valuable insights into the ways in which queer organizations can better support Indigenous people and people of color while also working to dismantle the legacy of racism and settler colonialism in Canada. The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diverse experiences and perspectives of LGBTQ2S+ individuals and communities, and it advocates for a more inclusive and equitable society that recognizes the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or identity.

In conclusion, Queer Professionals and Settler Colonialism is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between white settler colonialism, LGBTQ2S+ identities, and race. It provides a critical analysis of the ways in which queer individuals and organizations contribute to the perpetuation of settler colonialism and offers valuable insights into the ways in which these organizations can work towards a more just and equitable society. By centering the narratives of non-Indigenous LGBTQ2S+ service providers and challenging the dominant narratives, the book offers a powerful contribution to the ongoing conversation about racism, settler colonialism, and LGBTQ2S+ rights in Canada.

Weight: 240g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487525347