Dr. Alessio Ponzio, the new director of the Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity (CSGD) and associate professor in the Faculty of Health and Community Studies, brings to MacEwan an extensive background in queer, gender and sexuality studies. As he undertakes his new role, Dr. Ponzio will prepare an application for the Tier 2 Canada Research Chair position in sexual and gender diversity. 

When he talks about his vision for the CSGD, Dr. Ponzio starts at the core: “It’s all about the students.”

The CSGD provides support and a safe space for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies. The centre also provides support for research, teaching and service work related to sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression on campus and in the community. 

“This time is challenging, but we are going to continue to be here as a centre – to be sure that all feel welcome,” he says. “It’s impossible to save ourselves alone. We always need people. For us as a centre, it’s really important to bring in the students – it’s why we must be as open as we can be.”

He credits the incredible work of the CSGD team, Jessica and Kristie, with building the centre into a hub of connection, research and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies in Edmonton and Alberta. 

“And I want it to be a gem for the nation,” he says.

Dr. Ponzio knew he’d need to start reaching out to community and building connections early. So, even before touching down in Edmonton, he was already speaking with representatives from local gay and lesbian groups, trans groups, intersex groups, the Society of Alberta Asexuals and Aromantics, the Pride Centre, HIV Edmonton and groups at the national level as well. 

“I love to create connections in order to understand what the needs are. We are stronger if we are together, creating connections within and outside our institution.” 

Between presentations and events that include the Queer Horizons Speaker Series and Queer History Month, Dr. Ponzio has hit the ground running. Which isn’t surprising considering he is one of two Canadian members on the International Committee on LGBTQ History Months and a co-founder of LGBT+ History Month Italia. 

Given his connections, Dr. Ponzio has plans to add innovative new events to the CSGD calendar: workshops and cross-organizational events with local, national and international experts on gender and sexual diversity and inclusion. Look for a special exhibition in March, as part of Pride Week, with the John L. Haar Library, showcasing the work of Luana Rigolli in a display of archive images portraying 40 men who were forced into exile by the Italian Fascist regime in 1939 because they were homosexual. 

Continuing to build the reputation of the centre outside campus, he says, will benefit students within. “I want it to become a centre not just for students, but also for community, research and scholarship. And to engage more with students, and make sure they are also part of this research.” 

“This is my dream job,” says Dr. Ponzio “I never imagined that I could have a job like this – a mix of what I love the most: teaching, research and activism.”