Mandi Gray
Mandi Gray is a researcher and writer. She lives in Toronto with her sassy little dog CeCe. Mandi was awarded a PhD (2021) in Sociology. She is currently an Assistant Professor in an undergraduate criminology program. Her research and teaching focuses on gender and violence. Mandi also consults a wide array of government for profit and not-for profit organizations on complex problems related to gender justice/injustice as well as healthcare equity.
Photo by Jessica LaForet
SUING FOR SILENCE - MARCH 1 2024
Mandi Gray's debut book Suing for Silence: Sexual Violence and Defamation Law will be available March 1, 2024.
Suing for Silence is a groundbreaking examination of how abusive men use defamation lawsuits as a weapon against anyone who attempts to hold them accountable.
As Mandi Gray demonstrates, Canadian defamation law is being employed to silence survivors and advocates who speak out about sexual violence, perpetuating the myth that false allegations are common. Gray draws on media reports, courtroom observations, and interviews with silence breakers, activists, and lawyers from across Canada to examine the impact of so-called liar lawsuits on those who report or are thinking of reporting sexual violence, and on public discourse. Her meticulous work reveals the gendered underpinnings of defamation law, which has long protected men’s reputations at the expense of women’s sexual autonomy.
Speaker
I am available for speaking engagements on gendered violence. I am able to tailor my presentation to meet the learning objectives and knowledge of the audience. I blend personal experience with my academic research.
Media
I am available for media commentary about sexual and gendered violence. Areas of expertise include defamation lawsuits against people who have reported sexual violence, criminal sexual assault legal reform, campus sexual assault and prevention.
Consulting and Research
I offer a range of consulting services including: research proposals, qualitative research, report writing and sensitivity reading for sexual violence. I have worked with academic researchers, healthcare services, and not-for-profit organizations of all sizes.
My areas of expertise include: gendered violence, policy analysis, healthcare services, and qualitative research methods.
Writer
I write for both academic and non-academic audiences.
I have published in academic journals including Studies in Social Justice and Annual Review of Interdisciplinary Justice Research.
Select Published Writing:
Select Published Writing:
Quoted or Covered:
This Activist Wants You To Check Your Problematic Language Around Sexual Assault
(Video) - Huffpost.ca
Mandi Gray settles Human Rights complaint with York University over sexual assault policies (2017) Toronto Star
Why Mandi Gray Documented Her Sexual Assault Case (2018) VICE Magazine
Sexual Assault: The Roadshow Takes Art and Activism Across Ontario (2016) Canadian Art Magazine.
Events
SUING FOR SILENCE BOOK TALKS (Click links for more details)
March 1, 2024 - Toronto - Osgoode Hall Law School - York University - 12:30pm
March 4, 2024 - Toronto - Toronto Reference Library - 6:30pm (Registration not required)
March 7, 2024 - Toronto - Glad Day - 7pm (RSVP Recommended)
March 11, 2024 - London - Western University - 12pm
March 14, 2024 - Winnipeg - McNally Robinson - 7pm
March 20, 2024 - Calgary - University of Calgary - Details TBA
March 20, 2024 - Calgary - Shelf Life Books -7pm
March 21, 2024 - North Vancouver City Library - 6:30pm (Registration)
March 22, 2024 - Centre for Feminist Legal Studies - UBC Law - 1:30pm
March 27, 2024 - Downtown Vancouver - Vancouver Public Library - 7pm (Registration)
April 11, 2024 - Ottawa - Octopus Books - 7pm
**I am available for additional bookings after April 2024.
Get in touch if you are interested in bringing me to do a talk!
Want to work with me?
Send me a quick note about your project!