In this episode, Bex (she/her) is joined by Aislin (she/her) and Stella (she/they) to discuss what queer community means, how to find and build inclusive spaces, and the challenges of representation in the arts and athletics. They share personal stories, insights, and shoutouts to local queer organizations making a difference.

Welcome to the podcast & guest introductions

Aislin & Stella share their personal definitions of community and discuss the importance of safety, belonging, and shared experience.

Acknowledging privilege and the ongoing fight for inclusivity within the community.

The role of queer signifiers in self-expression
 • The importance of visibility and how it impacts self-acceptance
 • Challenges of stereotypes and expectations in queer spaces.

Stella’s journey in queer performance and burlesque
 • Aislin’s experience joining and organizing Queer Run Club
 • How stepping into leadership roles can help build and uplift community


Inclusivity struggles: Are we truly inviting everyone in?
 • Acknowledging gaps in trans and POC representation
 • The responsibility to create intentional, welcoming spaces


Financial barriers for queer artists
 • The decline of accessible media platforms for promotion
 • The importance of sustainable funding & corporate responsibility


Checking in on each other’s well-being
• Showing up for queer events and artists
 • The political climate and its impact on LGBTQ+ rights


• Masque of the Red Death (April 2024) - Upcoming queer performance produced by Saint Stella
• Queer Run Club - Weekly Saturday runs & coffee meetups

• Femme Fatale Toronto - Burlesque troupe showcasing Black and Women of Colour performers

• Sugar Holiday - Toronto-based burlesque performer and producer
• Queer Jock Night
• Queer Mingle Events 
- Black and Indigenous-run meetups for the lesbian, non-binary, trans and queer community

• Rebecca @sexedbeforebed
• Aislin @queerrunclub & @architectaislin
• Stella @saintstella & https://saintstella.com

Jessica Ruano is the director of The Ghomeshi Effect, a dance-theatre performance about sexual violence and the legal system in Canada.

This interview stayed with me long after I stopped recording. With the proliferation of #metoo narratives in the media, this conversation is a much-needed dissection of sexual violence from several vantage points. Jessica doesn't give quick and easy answers, instead, she approaches this murky issue meticulously, using stories and research to punctuate her points.

Together, we grappled with these questions and more:

• What kinds of people commit sexual violence?
• Are there good people and bad people?
• Is it possible to reconcile our perception of a "good" person with something horrible they've done?
• Is it possible for someone who has raped someone else to atone for it and/or be forgiven?
• How much do we want to exclude people who have committed such acts and with what goal in mind?
• Can or should a guilty person be brought back into a community?
• Does ostracizing the guilty help the problem?
• How common are false rape accusations, really?
• How can art heal survivors?

Links

The Ghomeshi Effect

Hannah Gadsby's Nanette Trailer

Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women

Intro & Outro Music

The theme song is Rise and Shine by Audiobinger. Edited for time and volume.

Sex Myths Uncovered is a panel I was asked to host in Toronto. If you ever wanted to hear a complex, nuanced, high-level conversation about sex politics, this is it!

A groundbreaking, funny, frank conversation from five very distinct, brilliant vantage points. We asked the public to submit questions in advance and answered them on air. 'Twas awesome!

Sex Myths Uncovered will unbox the mysteries, misunderstandings, and curiosities surrounding women’s sexual health. The conversations explore both the physiological and the psychological, with voices from the medical community, sex work activism and sexual health education. Panelists will share their experiences from the Toronto sex community and beyond, opening up the discussion with the audience at the end for a Q&A.

Panelists

Veronica Kazoleas, M.A, Founder of The Nookie // Veronica Kazoleas, M.A. is an award-winning social psychologist and former healthcare executive. @thenookieshop

Allison M. Dalby, RN, MN-NP (candidate) // Allison has worked in sexual health throughout her nearly nine-year career as a Registered Nurse.

Claire AH, Matchmaker, Sex and Dating Coach/Educator, Disability Advocate // Claire AH is a matchmaker for Friend of a Friend Matchmaking, working with the Toronto LGBTQ+ community and the entire Hamilton population. www.ClaireAH.com Instagram: @claireahhhh

Ducky Doolittle, Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Counselor & Pleasure-Based Sex Educator // Ducky is a Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Counselor and a pleasure-based Sex Educator. @duckydoolittle

Shriya Hari, Sexual Health Promoter/Community Based Researcher // Shriya Hari is an experienced community based researcher and sexual health promoter based in Toronto Ontario.@shareyournuance @asaaptoronto @kshyamasattic