Julie James

Julie James is an Associate Professor in the School of Child and Youth Care at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). With over twenty years of professional experience working with young people across schools, healthcare, child welfare, and community settings, Dr. James brings extensive practical knowledge to her academic role.

Education:

• PhD in Sociology from Queen's University
• Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto

Dr. James's research focuses on intersectional approaches to youth issues with particular emphasis on youth-led activism, Indigenous youth resurgence, and trans, gender diverse, and gender non-conforming youth-led work. Her methodological approach integrates quantitative, qualitative, and artistic methodologies within a critical framework of therapeutic practices. She actively explores feminist and queer theories in relation to access to justice for trans youth, non-Indigenous support of Indigenous youth-led activism, and parental advocacy for gender-diverse children and youth.

Her publication trajectory demonstrates a consistent focus on gender diversity across multiple domains. The articles reveal an evolution from classroom applications to theoretical frameworks and practical service delivery models, all while centering youth voices and addressing systemic barriers. Her work consistently bridges academic theory with practical applications in Child and Youth Care settings.

As a full member of the Yeates School of Graduate Studies, Dr. James teaches across the Child and Youth Care curriculum including courses on introduction to the field, interpersonal communications, professional issues, therapeutic foundations, and diversity issues. Her creative work extends to multimedia projects including the forthcoming podcast series 'Restoring the Circle: Stories of Racialized and Indigenous Trans Youth' and her role as Executive Producer for the documentary 'MNI WICONI: Mitakuyelo - Standing Rock Water Protector' screened at TIFF Bell Lightbox in 2019.