An Inside Look at Sensitivity Reading and Representation in Queer Literature

Join us for an exciting journey in Episode 5 of Trans Canada Stories, titled 'Equitable Horizons: Conversations on Workplace Inclusion'! In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome B Adair (he/they), a fresh addition to the SGF Inclusion team. B shares their inspiring journey from navigating the challenging anti-trans climate in Alberta to embracing new horizons on the East Coast of Canada.

Get ready for an engaging discussion as we delve into topics ranging from beachcombing adventures to the vital concept of privilege, and why equity work is beneficial for everyone. Plus, we tackle burning questions about inclusive forms and the imperative to redefine professionalism in the workplace.

But wait, there's more! We absolutely adore hearing from our listeners, and during our TD Connected Community Moment, we extend an invitation for you to send in your questions. Your queries might just be featured in our next episode of Trans Canada Stories!

Let's embark on this enlightening journey together! 🎙️✨

TD Connected Community Moment
Don't miss out—share your questions with us right here: https://forms.gle/e4mUyfaQEwWRftC77
We'll include answers in an upcoming episode! 

For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

Find us on: 

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)
• Twitter (@simplygoodform)
• Instagram (@simplygoodform)
• LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/)

This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

Hosts: Emma Stanley (She/Her) and Cyn Sweeney (She/Her)

Few Webcomics have been as prolific and long-running as Assigned Male, the brainchild of trans Québécois cartoonist Sophie Labelle. First releasing in October of 2014, Assigned Male portrays life through the eyes of a trans middle schooler named Stephie who alternately makes light of, and chafes under the realities of growing up a transgender child in a cisgender world. The webcomic series is still ongoing.

In 2017, Labelle first squared off against the rising tide of anti-trans and fringe-right haters, when a book reading for her new comic, Dating Tips for Trans and Queer Weirdos, was cancelled under threats of violence. During this time, Labelle received death threats and was doxxed, which would ultimately lead to her resettling with her partner in Finland, where she lives today. In the wake of these events, however, Labelle's audience expanded rapidly across Canada and the world. Today, she has more readers and supporters than ever before.

To see Sophie's work, or to purchase one of her books, visit her website at https://www.serioustransvibes.com/

TD Connected Community Moment
For a chance to win a signed copy of one of Sophie Labelle's books, follow this link and fill out the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiXNtHEfun9GeOwTQs_vnf7ahZurKtjfkIu9VTfUxE0pIbkA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Contest runs until January 6.

For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

Find us on: 

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)
• Twitter (@simplygoodform)
• Instagram (@simplygoodform)
• LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/)

This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

Hosts: Emma Stanley (She/Her) and Cyn Sweeney (She/Her)
Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io

In anticipation of Shelley Thompson's novel Roar hitting shelves, Emma and Cyn take the opportunity to learn more about the process behind the publication of this fiercely anticipated novel. This episode, we're taking a peek into the world of sensitivity reading, and the sorts of insights this process gives to authors looking to properly represent marginalized communities in their works of fiction.

Emma and Cyn are joined by Ronnie Ali, a Registered Psychotherapist, Diversity and Wellness Consultant in the arts and entertainment production, a Trauma-Informed Practice Specialist with Challenge Accepted, and Clinical Supervisor at the Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy. Due to these exceptional qualifications and her insightful nature, Ronnie was chosen to be a sensitivity reader for Roar, and worked closely with Shelley Thompson to deliver a narrative that felt respectful, gripping, and authentic to the trans experience.

Outside of her work as a sensitivity reader, Ronnie focuses on ending cycles of violence by addressing the roots of oppression and discrimination through research, psychoeducation, social programming, mindfulness training, and consultation services. The majority of the clients at her practice are trans and gender non-conforming. Ronnie identifies as a trans woman of colour and an immigrant settler in Turtle Island.

Order your copy of Shelley Thompson's Roar
Follow this link to order from the publisher: https://nimbus.ca/store/roar.html

TD Connected Community Moment
Here are a couple of book recommendations from our guest, Ronnie. Both are written by trans BIPOC femmes. Check them out: 

• From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea by Kai Cheng Thom
  https://arsenalpulp.com/News/2020/LISTEN-Julie-Andrews-reads-from-From-the-Stars-in-the-Sky-to-the-Fish-in-the-Sea-by-Kai-Cheng-Thom-for-Julie-s-Library 
• Zom-Fam by Kama La Mackerel
  https://metonymypress.com/shop/books/zom-fam-la-mackerel/

For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

Find us on: 

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)
• Twitter (@simplygoodform)
• Instagram (@simplygoodform)
• LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/)

This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

Hosts: Emma Stanley (She/Her) and Cyn Sweeney (She/Her)
Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io

During the Cold War, Canadians became targets of a widespread, systemic effort to identify and expel all any queer people working in the military or public service. This included today's guest, Martine Roy.

Martine was a young woman from Montréal who, looking for a purpose-driven career, joined the Armed Forces. Her world was shattered when one day, she was arrested out of the blue, and subjected to rounds of humiliating interrogation on the subject of her intimate life and sexuality. Eventually, she was dishonourably discharged for being in a relationship with another woman.

This so-called "homosexual witch hunt" lasted for over three decades, and the stories of those persecuted during this time are shared in Sarah Fodey's 2018 documentary, The Fruit Machine.

In this episode, we hear from Martine what it was like to live through this traumatizing experience, but also how she's found new purpose in her life and what steps have been taken to secure justice for the hundreds of people affected by the Purge.

Watch The Fruit Machine (2018) on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dLEn0h4hJI

TD Connected Community Moment
So, what did you think about The Fruit Machine? Did you know about Canada's LGBT Purge? Send us a message on our SpeakPipe, and you may be featured in our next episode! To leave us a message on SpeakPipe, follow this link: https://www.speakpipe.com/TransCanadaStories

For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

Find us on: 

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)
• Twitter (@simplygoodform)
• Instagram (@simplygoodform)
• LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/)

This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

Hosts: Emma Stanley (She/Her) and Cyn Sweeney (She/Her)
Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io

Welcome to Trans Canada Stories!

In this episode, hosts Emma (she/her) and Cynthia (she/her) talk about the reason behind this podcast, and how they came to know each other. The two also have a conversation on the subject of transitioning as a process, the importance of being able to access gender affirming care, and the role of the queer community as a support resource.

Emma shares a beautiful story about her own transition, recalling how the experience drew her closer to not only her community, but to her mother as well.

Later in the show, Emma and Cyn speak with Felix Vandergrift (He/Him). Felix is a researcher and works in governmental relations. He is an active advocate for TGNB rights, access to gender affirming healthcare, supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, harm reduction and human rights.

Felix recently underwent top surgery in Dartmouth thanks to the plastics team at the QEII and is continuing to push for more access to better gender affirming care for all TGNB folks in the province.

Felix's Literature Review
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w93LegmDGp-NjYUpMIq96g_mhMe6gF_WK-7cMnkCMzY/edit

TD Connected Community Moment
Trans Canada Stories are your stories, and we want to know what you want to hear. Follow this link to fill out our Google Doc form and let us know what you want from this podcast!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5FM151Ud0q-I3V_EoDii5c600DVf-a-_Y9BYf1dd366cdsw/viewform

For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

Find us on: 

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)
• Twitter (@simplygoodform)
• Instagram (@simplygoodform)
• LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/)

This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

Hosts: Emma Stanley (She/Her) and Cyn Sweeney (She/Her)
Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io

Welcome to Trans Canada Stories!

It's a podcast dedicated to cutting through the headlines and clickbait to tell real stories about real trans people living in Canada today. 

This is a place to celebrate trans joy and the successes (big and small) which inspire it. We'll desensationalize the stories of trans people to tell honest accounts of the trans experience. We want to provide role models and heroes for the community to look up to and admire, while helping to foster the development and strengthening of trans communities across Canada.

For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

Find us on: 

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)
• Twitter (@simplygoodform)
• Instagram (@simplygoodform)
• LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/)

This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

Hosts: Emma Stanley (She/Her) and Cyn Sweeney (She/Her)
Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io