Media

{Video, Audio, Print}

This is the inaugural WISH Talks online conference, which was held in recognition of International Women's Day, and occured on March 11, 2021. The theme for this first in a planned series of similar conversations was "Choose To Challenge". I was invited to participate as a speaker, and as the only Transgender woman speaking at an event celebrating the history and achievements of women, the responsibility and pride I felt representing our community was great. For my part, I wrote and delivered an essay called 'On The Outside Looking In: A Transwoman Challenging Stigma". The event starts at the 5-minute mark of the video... And my speaking portion begins at around the 15:20 mark.

I hope you will watch The entire event though, as it highlights a diverse group of women, each with different backgrounds and stories, all of whom 'choose to challenge" in their own unique ways.

WISH is an incredible organization that is run by, and for, street-based women sex-trade workers... and I happen to be a proud employee of the WISH family. WISH works to improve the health, safety and well-being of women who are involved in Vancouver's street-based sex trade. WISH consists of a fully staffed Drop-In Centre, a shelter with beds for 23 sex working women (cis and trans) and two-spirit folks along with hot showers, laundry and meals, as well as operating The Mobile Access Project (MAP) Van, a mobile outreach for street workers that provides snacks, hot and cold beverages, harm reduction supplies, referrals and support, clothing, bad date reporting and basic first aid supplies. The services WISH offers are life-saving and essential for the health and well-being of thousands of Vancouver women. WISH truly is a difference-maker, for those women, as it has been for me.

A great video discussing the basics and science of being Trans...with all credit for this video going to online Trans personality Gigi Gorgeous

Informative talk by Trans activist Sam Amore entitled Trans*. This is a great starting point for those looking to understand Trans identities, pronouns, and create a healthier and more open dialogue around Trans and gender-neutral individuals.

Inspiring and honest Ted talk by Trans activist Sarah McBride... Her journey is one that most Transwomen relate to intimately...I know I do. Since giving this Ted Talk, Sarah McBride has gone on to make history as the first openly Trans US State Senator in history.

Dr. Katina Sawyer highlights the experiences of transgender individuals as a way to shed light on a pressing topic that requires a greater amount of attention – the need for greater freedom of gender expression – and will provide guidelines for how to become a true transgender ally.

Thought-provoking talk discussing the issues Trans people face after transition.

Inspiring and revealing video from Transgender model Teddy Quinlivan, who established her International modelling career while hiding the fact that she was Trans. She risked everything to come out. This is her story.

A fantastic and thought-provoking piece that originally ran on the CBC's flagship news program The National, on Transgender athletes competing in Women's Sport. They pose the question 'Do Trans athletes have an unfair advantage when competing against Cisgender athletes?' This is an explosive topic, and my personal opinion is that a nuanced understanding of hormones, bone density and secondary sex characteristics is needed. We also need more scientific exploration of this topic, and it is sure to see as much if not more public debate as this occurs.