Acknowledgements

The first acknowledgment belongs to my friend and colleague Kristin Burnett, who encouraged me to pursue this project. She has generously reviewed several chapters, and I appreciate her support, advice, and friendship throughout.

I extend my deepest gratitude to all of the contributors who have shared their stories, experiences, ideas, and research. I’m thankful that they have entrusted me with their words. Their voices are brave, powerful, intelligent, compassionate, and inspiring.

I am indebted to the wonderful people at Athabasca University Press; their commitment to this collection has made for a rewarding relationship. In particular, I am grateful to Megan Hall, for her direction and support, and, especially, to Pamela Holway, who has been a thoughtful guide, pushing my analysis and prose, helping the book achieve greater clarity and sense of purpose. Thanks as well to the anonymous reviewers who were as excited about the project as I am.

My works builds on the wonderful scholarship and activism of many historians, feminists, and social commentators. Their commitment to this issue and to social justice is inspiring.

Finally, I am grateful for my family and friends and for their love and support over the several years of this project. How lucky am I that I get to spend each day with my favourite two and four-legged beings: I am blessed beyond measure.