Vijay Moonilal
Co-Host of DCO Discourse...
Vijay Moonilal has hosted seven Episodes.
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Episode 345: On How Crisis Lines Can Better Support Queer Callers
August 11th, 2025 | 39 mins 43 secs
on how can crisis lines better support queer callers?
In this powerful episode of DCO Discourse, Vijay talks with master's student Tristan, Dr. Monica Sesma-Vazquez, and Dr. Tara Collins, academic researchers involved in a study looking at queer callers in crisis line settings.
The discussion focused on the challenges faced by queer service users in crisis lines, highlighting the significant mental health disparities within the LGBTQ+ community. Tara and Tristan shared alarming statistics, such as 27% of LGBTQ+ youth experiencing major depressive episodes and 40% having lifetime suicide ideation, while emphasizing the impact of discrimination and the importance of gender-affirming care. Monica noted that while statistics are crucial for strategic decisions, they cannot fully capture the callers lived experiences, and the team aims to use these numbers to transform crisis response by addressing the underlying social conditions. The conversation also touched on the politicization of LGBTQ+ issues, which can hinder support and implementation of effective interventions.
To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member Centre. Many of our centers operate 24/7. Thank you for joining us, and we hope this episode encourages you to continue the conversation. If you have feedback or future content requests, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8 -
Episode 341: How Do We Support 2SLGBTQIA+ Students on Campuses?
July 14th, 2025 | Season 3 | 1 hr 6 mins
how do we support 2slgbtqia+ students on campuses?
In this powerful episode of DCO Discourse, Vijay talks with Dr. Michael Woodford and Dr. Tin Vo, two academic researchers involved in Thriving On Campus, an Ontario-wide study of 2SLGBTQ+ university students’ experiences, wellbeing, and academic development.
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Episode 339: On The Coming Out Experience: 3 Questions about Identity.
June 30th, 2025 | Season 3 | 44 mins 47 secs
on the coming out experience: 3 questions about identity.
In this powerful episode of DCO Discourse, Co-hosts Vijay Moonilal and Caitlin Plant, talk about the experience of coming out to wrap a bow around the end of Pride month.
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Episode 329: On Identity with Vijay pt 4: Expanding the Narrative
April 21st, 2025 | Season 3 | 55 mins 54 secs
title on identity with vijay pt 4: expanding the narrative
In the final episode of this series, Vijay, a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, continues to share their experiences as a trans non-binary individual of color, as well as sharing the experiences of others in the queer community.
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Episode 326: On Exploring Identity with Vijay pt 3: Tackling the “Tough Questions”.
March 31st, 2025 | Season 3 | 38 mins 4 secs
on exploring identity with vijay pt 3: tackling the “tough questions”.
In this episode, Caitlin continues her conversation with Vijay, a Psychology & Neuroscience student and mental health professional, sharing their journey of self-discovery as a trans, nonbinary person of color. In part three Caitlin and Vijay delve a little deeper into some of the tougher questions surrounding identity, coming out, the suicide crisis in the trans community, and more.
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Episode 323: On Exploring Identity with Vijay pt 2: Understanding the 2SLGBTQIA+ Experience & Allyship
March 10th, 2025 | Season 3 | 53 mins 46 secs
on exploring identity with vijay pt 2, understanding the 2slgbtqia+ experience & allyship
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Vijay, a Psychology & Neuroscience student and mental health professional.
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Episode 319: On Exploring Identity with Vijay
February 10th, 2025 | Season 3 | 40 mins 23 secs
on exploring identity with vijay
In this episode, Caitlin Plant, Program Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, speaks with Vijay, a Psychology & Neuroscience student and mental health professional, about their journey as a trans, nonbinary individual of color.