Rights and Representation Lab

The Rights and Representation Lab is currently focused on the study of LGBTQ2S+ politics and gender and politics in the Canadian context. We pay particular attention to public opinion on LGBTQ2S+ rights in Canada, LGBTQ2S+ candidates and representation in Canadian elections, and LGBTQ2S+ people’s political behaviour.

Dr. Elizabeth Baisley is the Lab’s Director, and Dr. Quinn M. Albaugh is its Associate Director. The Lab is housed in the Centre for the Study of Democracy and Diversity at Queen’s University. We host open events and workshops—such as our recent panel on Backlash against LGBTQ2S+ People and Rights in Canada—and hold regular meetings for lab members.

We are methodologically pluralist, drawing on qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Current projects examine:

  • Public opinion on LGBTQ2S+ rights

  • LGBTQ2S+ candidates and representation in Canadian elections

  • LGBTQ2S+ people’s political behaviour

How Do I Apply to Join the Lab?

For the 2025–2026 academic year, we are welcoming new lab members through two routes:

Supervision

If you are interested in being supervised by Dr. Elizabeth Baisley or Dr. Quinn Albaugh (e.g., for an honours thesis, MRP, or PhD dissertation), please email them directly to discuss the possibility.

Paid Research Work

  • Undergraduate students: Watch for postings on Queen’s job boards.

  • Graduate students: You’re welcome to email Dr. Baisley to be added to a list for future opportunities circulated via email.

The Lab is committed to making Canadian political science more inclusive. We especially welcome applications from individuals who are part of groups underrepresented in the discipline. The Rights and Representation Lab is currently focused on the study of LGBTQ2S+ politics and gender and politics in the Canadian context. We focus especially on descriptive and substantive representation, party position change, and public opinion in an era of backlash and retrenchment.