Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Trans People of U of T (LGBTOUT), Equity Studies Student Union (ESSU), Women and Gender Studies Student Union (WGSSU), the Trans Inclusion Group (TIG), and the Centre for Women and Trans people PRESENT:

Linked Oppressions: Racism, Homophobia, and Transphobia

In conjunction with Trans Awareness Week, “Linked Oppressions” is a week dedicated to the investigation of the various ways in which the issues of racism, homophobia, and transphobia intersect in our culture.
“Linked Oppressions” is open to the public and will be taking place on the U of T St. George campus from Monday November 22nd – Thursday November 25th.

The week’s events are as follows:

Monday November 22nd:

The Trans Inclusion Group hosts a FREE screening of: “TWO SPIRITS” co-hosted by the Women and Gender Studies Student Union. Two Spirits is a compelling documentary about a life that was cut short for a Navajo teenager who was nádleehi – person with both masculine and feminine essences. The film also looks at the lives of the friends, family and larger community of Fred Martinez, reaching beyond the violent act that ended with his murder, and exploring issues of gender, spirituality and sexuality.
This screening is in conjunction with Trans Day of Remembrance.
The film will be screening in the William Doo Auditorium (45 Willcocks St.) from 6pm-8pm. Refreshments will be provided.

Tuesday November 23rd:

Writing Workshop with Farzana Doctor: a Toronto-based psychotherapist, consultant, and author of Stealing Nasreen. The workshop will encourage creating writing and is also meant to be in conjunction with the Words of Resistance event on Thursday November 25th.
The workshop will be held at the Centre for Women and Trans People (563 Spadina Ave.) Room 100 from 12pm-2pm. Refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday November 24th:

Panel discussion: “Racism, Homophobia, and Transphobia in Social Justice Movements”. Speakers will be Alec Butler, Lali Mohamed, and Zahra Dhanani.

Zahra Dhanani

Zahra is a lawyer, a dj, a performer, a public speak, a feminist, a glam queen, a lover of life. She has hosted radio shows, worked in tv, organized demonstrations, mediated debates, facilitated healing circles, and lobbied parliamentarians. Her passions include everything from social justice to pluralism to finding the right shade of red lipstick. She is known for her trailblazing role in bringing South Asian music and issues to the mainstream. Working in equity issues for over 17 years, she is known to be a passionate advocate, a spunky entertainer, and a brilliant speaker.

Alec Butler

Alec Butler is a playwright and a filmmaker. He was a nominee for the Governor General’s Award for English drama in 1990 for his play Black Friday. He has also worked on artistic projects with The 519 Church St. Community Centre as their first artist-in-residence. He was named one of Toronto’s Vital people by the Toronto Community Foundation in 2006.

Lali Mohamed

Lali Mohamed is a queer Somali activist completing his final year in Sociology at Ryerson University. He sits on the board of directors at the Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line and works as a First Generation Engagement Ambassador at Ryerson. He is also the reporter for Deviant Productions, an alternative youth media collective that advances social justice.

The panel will be held in Wilson Hall Lounge (40 Willcocks St.) from 4:00-6:30pm. Refreshments will be provided.

Thursday November 25th:

Trans workshop put on by the 519 Church Street Community Centre focusing on issues surrounding identity, issues, and politics within the trans community. The workshop will be held from 3pm – 5pm in Sidney Smith Hall [100 St. George St.] in Room 2117.

The workshop will be followed by the “Words of Resistance: Gender, Gender Violence, and Transphobia” Open Mic Night and Potluck. Inspired by the Transgender Day of Remembrance and Sixteen Days of Action Against Gendered Violence. Open to cis gender performers as well. Bringing food is optional. There will be refreshments provided.