About

Nico Mara-McKay

Researcher, writer, and editor

My name is Nico Mara-McKay (they/them) and I am researcher, writer, editor, and currently a SSHRC-funded PhD student at the University of Toronto in History with a collaborative specialization in Sexual Diversity Studies. My research focuses on nonnormative gender expressions in late Medieval Europe and falls within the emerging field of Medieval Trans Studies. I’m also interested in queer histories, witchcraft, monsters, and visual and material history.

I am experienced in research and analysis, presenting complex material to non-specialists audiences, and developing diverse products using universal design and inclusive design, including lectures, presentations, workshops, conferences, exhibitions, papers, articles, and reports.

I love giving talks, and I’ve spoken at the Art Gallery of Ontario about the visual history of tarot, Canzine about the history of magical zines, and for the Toronto District School Board about witchy artifacts.

My work has  appeared in the Journal of History, Art/iculation Magazine, Broken Pencil Magazine, Quill & Quire, This Magazine, among other places. For more, see my select publication history.