Sexual Diversity Studies Student Union

Mission

The SDSSU is the undergraduate course union for everyone who has ever taken a Sexual Diversity Studies course at the University of Toronto.

As your course union, we provide the following services:

- Represent you on the Sexual Diversity Studies Steering Committee

- Listen to your concerns regarding Sexual Diversity Studies courses

- Ensure that your opinions are expressed to evaluative and planning committees

- Help you take action on your ideas to make a difference for other sexual diversity studies students

- Course Evaluations

- Planning and hosting events ranging from panel discussions, career information events and socials to coalition events with other student unions and groups with similar principles and interests.

- Liaising with The Undergraduate Journal of Sexual Diversity Studies (UJSDS)

The 2009-2010 Executive

Sherrie Quinn, Chairperson

Sherrie is the 2009-2010 Chair for the SDSSU. Last year, she was the Events Representative and Conference Coordinator alongside Nikki Stratigacos in "$ex For $ale: Prostitution, Government, and Regulation". In addition to the conference, she has organized other SDS events, and has helped many students get involved in union activities.

Sherrie is a 4th-year Philosophy and Sexual Diversity Studies student. Two years ago, she stumbled upon an SDS course (UNI255, taught by Scott Rayter) and has been deeply involved in SDS ever since; transferring to University College, participating in the SDS mentorship program, and co-organizing the SDSSU Inaugural 2008 Conference, "Fetish: Working Out The Kinks". Sherrie's extracurricular activities include the UC Mentorship Program, LGBTOUT, the U of T Ski and Snowboard Club, and the Pre-Law Society.

Sherrie has an extensive artistic background as well. She has been in art schools for her entire life; playing three instruments, acting in countless plays, and dancing since the age of two-and-a-half. If she's not studying or at the gym, she's probably at a concert, checking out a new art exhibit, or stirring up some havoc.

Nikki Stratigacos, Treasurer

Nikki returns as the SDSSU Treasurer for 2009-10, after serving as both Treasurer and Conference Coordinator for the 2009 "$ex For $ale" conference along with Sherrie Quinn. Nikki makes use of her extensive background in small-business operations and accounting to maximize the financial resources of the SDSSU. She envisions further growth and diversification for the Union, especially as new, energetic SDS students start getting involved in Union activities.

Nikki discovered Sexual Diversity Studies during her second trip through university. After taking an SDS course entirely out of curiosity, she found herself so enamoured with the subject that she opted to major in the program. Nikki has just completed her Honours B.A. in SDS and Political Science, and is now working towards an Honours B.Sci in Psychology, with the goal of becoming a Counselling Psychologist.

Nikki is also very active in the LGBTQ Community, both on campus and off. She's the current Exec-At-Large for LGBTOUT, and has worked with the U of T Pride Committee. She is also a volunteer in the Supporting Our Youth Mentorship Program, and a former member of the LGBT YouthLine Board of Directors. Nikki is also an avid writer, with several publications under her name, including a recent piece in U of T Magazine.

When Nikki isn't studying sex in one capacity or another, she can be found watching her beloved Blue Jays at the SkyDome, camping, canoeing or hiking with her girlfriend Julia, or otherwise enjoying the great outdoors.

Corina Tudor, Student Development Representative

Corina returns as the Student Development Representative, after joining the SDSSU Executive in 2008. She is a fourth-year student enrolled in the Anthropology, Sexual Diversity Studies, and Visual Studies programs. She is a mentee in the UC Mentorship Program, co-editor-in-chief of the Undergraduate Journal of Anthropology, and fundraising minister for the ASA.

Corina moved to Canada from Romania when she was fourteen years old. Being an immigrant, she feels like a hybrid, not quite fitting into either culture. Because of this, Corina loves anthropology. She is particularly interested in the ways different groups negotiate sex and gender roles, and the implications of those negotiations.

As a side project, Corina does geophysical research with applications in archaeology and she has a work-study position with her geology professor. In her spare time, Corina reads and naps.

Natasha Novac, Secretary

Natasha is a third-year English and Political Science student with a vested interest in all things sex. Natasha got hooked on SDS after taking a theory class on a whim (credit: Dr. Rayter). Since then she has gotten actively invovled in the faculty and the SDSSU, and cut her teeth planning the 2009 "$ex For $ale" conference. She never ceases to be amazed at the program’s dynamism, and predicts it will explode in the near future to become one of the most talked-about programs at U of T.

When not mired in Shakespeare or similar, Natasha reads extensively about gender issues. She has a particular interest in the de-construction of gender, and particularly likes Kate Bornstein and Judith Halberstam. She also serves coffee, argues with Campus Co-op and wastes unacceptable amounts of time watching The L Word, and actively misses the glory days of the first three seasons.

Ali Harrison, Events Representative

Along with being Events Representative for the 2009-2010 year, Ali is completing the 5th year of her (neverending) degree, with a major in SDS and minors in Environmental Ethics and English. She worked alongside the SDSSU executive last year to plan "$ex for $ale," and is looking foward to the 2009-2010 conference and other amazing SDSSU events to come next year.

In addition to being a full time student, Ali is a workaholic. She currently works at Victoria College Food Services, Last Temptation in Kensington Market, the Ryerson International Midwifery Pre-Registration Program and Rosedale Heights School of the Arts tutoring math and science. In addition to her multiple jobs (and no time) Ali volunteers with Planned Parenthood's "T.E.A.C.H." program, facilitating anti-homophobia workshops in schools and community centres across the GTA.

When she isn't working, studying, or sleeping, Ali loves to bike around Toronto, spend time with her family, lounge in her backyard, travel, and enjoy music and art.

Wendy Koslow, Program Assistant

While Wendy is not an official member of the SDSSU, her contributions to the Union have been invaluable. As the Sexual Diversity Studies and Canadian Studies Program Assistant, she is constantly providing support and advice to the SDSSU, and helping students with whatever they need.

Her career in education has included stints at a dot-com, two evil computer training schools, Harvard University and more. Wendy is thrilled to have found such a fine home at U of T, and U of T is equally thrilled to have her on board.