University of Victoria announces world’s first chair of transgender studies

Jan 15, 2016 | 1:43 PM

VICTORIA — The University of Victoria says it has appointed the world’s first chair in transgender studies.

Dr. Aaron Devor will work with researchers, community activists and students to advance study into a broad range of topics that affect the lives of transgender people.

The university says Devor will explore crucial issues on the subject including health care, poverty, discrimination and suicide.

A donation of US$1 million from the Tawani Foundation, founded and led by transgender billionaire Jennifer Pritzker, will establish the chair in the university’s Faculty of Social Sciences.