Trans Identities Under Construction: a discussion about how trans identities are constructed and how we can develop solidarity
There is a lot of talk about trans folks, and everyone seems to have opinions on the topic. Having those strong opinions can stop us from understanding other perspectives or wanting to learn more when we are unable to discuss where they come from, why we hold on to them, and what their impacts are on trans and non-trans people. There is not a lot of opportunity to be authentically curious and engage in discussion without being put down. Most folks given a platform to teach about trans realities have not experienced what it means to be trans themselves (incl most facilitators of Masculinity: under construction).
That is why I am so excited that Joël is willing to share his knowledge and facilitate this workshop. He hopes to bring into this conversation three sources of knowledge: theoretical knowledge, community knowledge, service provider knowledge, and knowledge from lived experience. He will facilitate from a place of compassion, the idea that allyship is inherently imperfect, and belief that all attendees fundamentally want to Do Good.
Join us with the goal of increasing your understanding and growing, and to ask the questions you were unable to ask in other settings.
Who is this for? Men, including cis and trans men, and folks of other genders who identify along the male or masculine spectrum are welcome to attend. We value gender self-determination as a fundamental right, so if you see yourself even partly represented in this description, join us!
A bit about Joël:
Joël is a thirty-something francofun white gay guy who’s been working in sexual health and queer/trans community since 2008. He is currently finishing his MA in Social Work at the Université du Québec en Outaouais, using participatory community-based research to look into how guys negotiate sex ethically. He collaborated on the second edition of PRIMED: A Sex Guide for Trans Guys Into Guys in 2015. He has facilitated countless workshops, panels and presentations on queer and trans well-being in university, community, government, and business settings, sometimes in hostile environments. He works hard to show love to his trans body.
Accessibility information:
Physical: The workshop will take place on Zoom, which does not require participants to subscribe. The link will be shared one day before the event.
Sensory/cognitive: The workshop will be in oral English, supported by slides available in PDF format (screen-reader friendly) after the event, or one week prior upon request.
Mental: This workshop will discuss stigma and mental health as these topics are related to the subject matter. No graphic description of violence or transphobia. This (digital) space is okay with folks expressing non-aggressive emotional responses and the facilitator will do a check-in and check-out.
For further questions on accessibility, please contact Jan: Jan@masculinity.info.