TRANS FILM SCREENING SERIES: “SHINJUKU BOYS”

Monday January 30, 2012

6:30pm-8:30pm

 

==>Trans Film Night: “SHINJUKU BOYS”

==>Free Film! Free Snacks! Free Talk!

The Trans Film Screening Series hosts a FREE screening of: “SHINJUKU BOYS”

Everyone welcome. Allies welcome.

► SHINJUKU BOYS: introduces three onnabes (women who choose to live as men) who work as hosts at the New Marilyn Club in Tokyo. As the film follows them at home and on the job, all three talk frankly about their gender-bending lives, including views on girlfriends, clients, lesbianism, trans status, masculinity, etc. All three take different approaches. Includes fabulous sequences shot inside the club. The documentary questions the intersections of gender and labour or the labour of gender.

dir.: Kim Longinotto & Jano Williams

rated: unrated (1995) <53min>

language: Japanese with English subtitles

DATE AND TIME:

Monday January 30, 2012

6:30pm – 8:30pm

FREE

LOCATION:

***NOTE: VENUE CHANGE***

William Doo Auditorium, 45 Willcocks

Basement of New College Residence

Corner of Spadina/Willcocks

One building over from original venue.

Accessible.

 

 

For info and accessibility contact: transfilmseries@gmail.com

*Please email to confirm ASL access by Jan.24 to prevent cancellation.

 || single-stall gender-neutral washrooms || wheelchair accessible ||

ASL-English || food – vegan & nut-free || TTC tokens available ||

|| FREE ||

 

Open discussion afterwards.

Follow on Twitter @TRANSfilmseries

FB Event: http://www.facebook.com/events/155331657909088/

Winter Potluck Party!

Wednesday December 21
6-9pm

Centre members are planning a party to celebrate the start of winter / end of school term! It’s also a great opportunity to show our volunteers how much we appreciate their constant effort and dedication, especially their hard work for Trans Week of Remembrance, as well as throughout this entire term.

Food: Potluck! Bring a vegetarian or vegan dish to share if you can. You don’t have to bring something to attend and we will provide some basics (all vegan): rice & soup or chili & cornbread and a dessert.

Activities: Crafting! We’ll have three crafts: button making, origami, and make-your-own holiday/greeting card.

If there’s interest, we’ll have a discussion around cultural appropriation.

Join us for a fun, cozy night of crafts, food, meeting old friends and making new ones!

Evening ‘Spice’: Community Cooking

Wednesday December 7, 2011
7:30-10:30pm

Are you interested in participating in The Spice: Community Cooking Program but can never make the afternoon time? You’re in luck!

The Centre is holding the first ever Evening Spice on Wednesday, December 7 from 7:30-10:30pm. Join us for an evening of cooking healthy and delicious vegan food and participating in discussion on issues that are important to you in a supportive and inclusive environment. We’ll be preparing the following three course dinner for everyone to share, and it’ll be a hands-on opportunity to learn the recipes!

• Roasted vegetable bruschetta with yellow peppers, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, and fresh basil
• Lentil coconut curry with roasted tomatoes, fresh coriander, and crispy onions.
• Poached pears with candied walnuts

The menu is subject to change depending on availability of ingredients.

If you’re interested, please RSVP to The Centre’s Collective email: centrecollective@gmail.com

You’re also welcome to drop-in!

Centre Hours for December and January

Please note the following hours for The Centre’s office and drop-in space for December 2011 and January 2012:

OFFICE:
December 5 – January 8: CLOSED
Emails and phone messages will not be checked and The Centre will not be available for external bookings during this time.

DROP-IN SPACE:
December 5: CLOSED
December 6 – December 15: OPEN (regular hours and Special Evening ‘Spice’ Community Cooking)
December 16 – January 8: CLOSED (except for Winter Potluck Party)

‘The Spice’ Community Cooking and Trans Inclusion Group are both taking a break until January.

The Centre will re-open fully with regular hours on January 9, 2012. Regular Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-6pm; Closed Fri-Sun.

Trans Week of Remembrance – Event Listings

TRANS WEEK OF REMEMBRANCE
TDOR EVENT LISTINGS 2011

The Centre for Women and Trans People will commemorate this year’s Trans Day of Remembrance by offering a full TransWeek of Remembrance for Two Spirit, Intersex, and Trans people, and all who have been impacted by anti-trans violence and discrimination. A week is not enough – together let’s continue to actively resist violence and celebrate trans lives always. The Centre is honoured to be part of this work and hopes everyone has a chance to create a space for the remembrance o community members hurt or lost, and to collect and share in our own personal reflections.  

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 20

INTERNATIONAL TRANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
 

* * * * *

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 23

EVENT: THE CENTRE’S ANNUAL TDOR EVENT:
COMMUNITY ART INSTALLATION 2011

TIME: 12-2pm
LOCATION: Sidney Smith Hall, 100 St. George St. *outside

DESCRIPTION:

The Trans Inclusion Group hosts its annual Community Art Installation. Grab a crayon – show your colours – add some joy –take up space – take a marker – leave your mark – collage – deconstruct – take scissors to the binary – remember always. In the face of loss we create. We remember the vibrant lives of those lost to gender violence by sharing in collective creativity. We fill the space with urgent art – ending trans violence and hatred is an urgent matter. We share smiles – we share the moment – we remember – we take action. Come and create (or observe) a community art installation. No art experience necessary.

EVENT:        MOMENT of SILENCE & FLOWER MEMORIAL
TIME:         1:30pm 
LOCATION:     Sidney Smith Hall, 100 St. George St. *outside

DESCRIPTION:
 
Gather for speeches, a moment of silence and a flower memorial. Take the time.

EVENT:    TDOR AT THE CENTRE          
TIME:      2-5pm
LOCATION:   The Centre for Women and Trans People UT

DESCRIPTION:
 
Come to The Centre for light refreshments, warm coffee and warm thoughts. Eat, continue to make art, and share in casual community conversation and dialogue.

* * * * *

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 24

EVENT: WORDS OF RESISTANCE: OPEN MIC AND POTLUCK
TIME: 6-8pm
LOCATION: The Centre for Women and Trans People UT

DESCRIPTION:

Presented By: The Centre for Women and Trans People at U of T and Equity Studies Students’ Union (ESSU):

Words of resistance is an open mic poetry and spoken word event inspired by TDOR and the 16 Days Against Gendered Violence. The event hopes to explore themes of gender, gender violence, transphobia and the various embodiment and understandings of these.

Bring a dish for the potluck, and come enjoy the performances and engage with these important and critical questions in a creative space.

This event is open to cisgender performers as well. All are welcome to attend and perform at this event. Allies are welcome.

Want to perform?  Want ideas? Suggested topics to think about & perform your piece on:

What is the connection between gender roles and transphobia? What is the connection between patriarchy and transphobia?

Why do trans women experience double violence?

What kind of body rituals do you have in the morning? How does changing your rituals affect your day? Does it change your day?

How did you come out as trans? What kind of issues did you have to negotiate? What did “coming out” feel like?

Have you ever witnessed or experienced trans- and/or gender-related violence? What did witnessing violence done upon someone else inform you about your own gender & gender privilege?

Can non-trans men experience gender violence and transphobia?

How do class and race play into gender violence? Does everybody experience gender violence and transphobia in the same way?

What are ways to build community and solidarity to resist these violences?

Final idea: Come perform your gender! You can do this through song, poetry, spoken word, ritual, make-up, costume, or a combination of these elements. Bring a dish for the potluck and come enjoy the performances and engage with these important and critical questions in a creative space.

WORDS OF RESISTANCE CONTACT INFO:

THE CENTRE FOR WOMEN AND TRANS PEOPLE AT UofT
563 Spadina Ave. Room 100
womenscentre.sa.utoronto.ca
womens.centre@utoronto.ca
416-978-8201

OR

EQUITY STUDIES STUDENTS’ UNION
40 Willcocks Street, New College Student Centre
uoft.essu@gmail.com
<a href ="www.uoftessu.com"www.uoftessu.com

Words of Resistance is a monthly poetry and spoken word open mic event that runs out of the Dr. Chun Resource Library. The Dr. Chun Resource Library is a joint initiative between the Centre for Women and Trans People at UofT and OPIRG UofT.

* * * * *

MONDAY NOVEMBER 28

EVENT: TRANS FILM SCREENING SERIES: PREMIERE “MY FRIEND BRINDLEY” & COLLECTED WORKS OF ALEC BUTLER
TIME: 6:30-8:30pm
LOCATION: William Doo Auditorium, 45 Willcocks st.

DESCRIPTION:

World premiere & launch of Alec Butler’s “My Friend Brindley”: an artistic and political doc about the life and times of Kathleen Brindley, community elder, Amazon biker, artist and human rights activist. Also, showcasing the works of 2spirit/intersex/trans artist Alec Butler, including: “Trans Cabaret”, “Darla’s Goodbye”, the animated “Misadventures of Pussyboy” trilogy and more. Explore art, history, activism, erotics, stories of gender queer/questioning youth and more. Artist Q&A.
@TRANSfilmseries

* * * * *

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 29

EVENT: SILK SCREENING WORKSHOP
TIME: 6-8pm
LOCATION: The Centre for Women and Trans People UT

DESCRIPTION:

Banners, t-shirts, posters, patches and signs are all made using the silk screen printing technique. At this workshop you’ll learn how to build your own silk screen on the cheap to get your messages, images and designs out there. You’ll also have the chance to make prints of Trans themed, and Trans Day of Remembrance themed messages and images (bring your own smooth fabric, t-shirts, paper, or cardboard to print onto). Led by Kenji Tokawa.





*****

CONTACT INFO:

Events may expand and details may change. Feel free to contact The Centre for full details, updates or accessibility needs.

THE CENTRE FOR WOMEN AND TRANS PEOPLE UofT
563 Spadina Ave. Room 100
North Borden Building, accessible entrance on Bancroft Avenue
womenscentre.sa.utoronto.ca
womens.centre@utoronto.ca    
416-978-8201

25th Anniversary Survey – we need your input!

The Centre is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! Yes, 25 years of resistance! The achievements of The Centre could not have been possible without the combined effort of us all. This is why we want to know your ideas for how you want to celebrate our 25th anniversary. A short online survey can be found here:
25th anniversary survey

The survey is also available at The Centre. It is also available as a PDF: 25th anniversary survey and your response can be emailed to womens.centre@utoronto.ca or dropped off in the mailbox hanging on our door at 563 Spadina Ave. Room 100 before December 15, 2011.

25th Anniversary: Dream Catcher and Beading Workshop

25th Anniversary: Dream Catcher and Beading Workshop
*
*
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=252578284790820

*

Thursday November 10th, 2011

6:30-8:30 pm

The Centre for Women and Trans People (UofT)

563 Spadina Ave, Room 100. Wheelchair-accessible entrance through Bancroft Ave.

Food and drinks will be provided.
Free!

Join us for an evening of crafts, socialization, food, and fun! Facilitated by artists & educators Sharon L. Clarke and Wade Smoke. This event will launch The Centre’s 25th anniversary celebrations. Yes, 25 years of resistance!

For more information contact:

womens.centre@utoronto.ca or 416-978-8201
http://womenscentre.sa.utoronto.ca/

Dream Catcher and Beading Workshop – Facilitator Biographies:

SHARON L. CLARKE is a member of the Secwepemc [Shuswap] Nation of British Columbia. Born in Kamloops B.C. and grew up moving around the province from Vancouver Island to the Okanagan Valley. A member of the Ontario College Of Teachers since 2007, education has always been a challenge and goal since her youth. The City Adult Learning Center of Toronto [C.A.L.C.] provided a safe and encouraging learning environment for her to obtain a Ontario Secondary School Diploma [O.S.S.D.]. The next step was to follow a interest in English Literature, so an application was submitted to the University of Toronto, Pre-University Program. Once successfully completed entrance to University of Toronto with a Major in Native Studies and Minor in English Literature, led to a B. A., New College 2003. Financial struggles have always been evident for Sharon [as with many First Nations and students]. She was finally submitted to a program of her dreams but at the last minute denied funding. She then applied to different organizations and worked to save for her education. She was admitted to Queen’s University, Aboriginal Teachers Education Program [A.T.E.P.] 2005. She was fortunate to receive a full scholarship from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation [N.A.A.F.]. She then went on to complete her degree and graduated with honors, from Queens University, class of 2006, B.Ed.. Sharon is a Traditional Dancer who has received her teachings and made her own regalia. Sharon has also learned how to sing Traditional Songs and am in the process of learning how to hand-drum. She has taken such diverse courses ranging from Native North American Literature, Aboriginal Theater to The Indian Act, Secwepemc [Shuswap] Language Introduction course [credit transferred from Simon Fraser University campus @ Kamloops B.C.]. Sharon has taught a workshop at University of Toronto, First Nations House: Dream catcher Workshop, Feb. 2008. She has spoken at Inglenook Alternative Secondary School, as a guest on Native Issues and education. She is presently apprenticing to make masks out of paper mache so that she can use these masks for further Traditional teachings: Storytelling, Oral Tradition . Sharon is absorbed in First Nations crafts, Quill work is of great interest, Beadwork, Dream catchers, Medicine Wheels, Drums and First Nations Drumming and Singing has always meant so much to her. When she is able to teach, dance, sing, bead, write, create , she is doing what is is meant to do in this life: keep Secwepemc [Shuswap] Traditions alive, sharing this knowledge with other Native youth so that they can have the opportunity to learn the unique beauty that First Nations Culture has to offer.

WADE SMOKE is a member of the Ojibway First Nation, he is a member of Alderville [Rice Lake], Ontario. Wade lives and resides in Toronto, Ontario. He is a Champion Grass Dancer and has traveled throughout the world to share his traditional Grass Dance teachings, drum teachings and storytelling. Wade has danced in such remote locations as Columbia-Bogota, Northern Quebec, Chicago and Kelowna, British Columbia. Wade Smoke has performed for the Visiting Schools Program for a year. Wade is a Champion Dancer in his category and has placed in Grass Dance at various Pow-wows such as: Saugeen………Wade Smoke has also performed for various Native organizations for a number of years: Dodem Konosha, Scotia Bank, Native Canadian Center of Toronto [Visiting Schools Program: Assistant Co-ordinator & Grass Dancer, Traditional Dancer], University of Toronto, First Nations House, Native Students Association, City of Toronto [Open Doors Toronto, Sacred Spaces as a Traditional Storyteller], Council Fire Native Cultural Center, Anishnawbe Health Street Patrol, Native Mens Residence, Neekanaan Day Care, The Meeting Place, Native Child & Family Services of Toronto . Wade has also been a Head Dancer for various events and Pow-wows throughout Ontario: Native Canadian Center, New Years Eve Pow Wow 2001, Algonquin’s of Golden Lake Pow-wow 2000, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto @ Dufferin Grove Park 2003. Wade Smoke has also taught drum teachings, rattle making and workshops at Native Mens Residence. Wade was responsible for making a big drum at the Native Canadian Center, he learned these teachings from his family. Wade’s older brother is Bruce Smoke lead singer/founder for the Smoke Trail Singers [formerly known as: Rice Lake Singers]. Wade has been a volunteer Fire Keeper at various Traditional Ceremonies and Pow-wows. Wade is a gifted artist and he has assisted in workshops at University of Toronto, First Nations House, Dream Catcher Workshop. He was an invited Grass Dancer for “Aboriginal Awareness week-2008″. The Native Students Association has asked him to preform at their socials twice. Wade was also a volunteer as “1st Skinny Santa @ the Annual Children’s Christmas Party, 2002. This was put on by the Native Students Association, University of Toronto.

*****

25th Anniversary – SURVEY!

The Centre is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! Yes, 25 years of resistance! The achievements of The Centre could not have been possible without the combined effort of us all. This is why we want to hear about your visions on how you want to celebrate 25 years of resistance. A survey will be given out at The Centre during the Dream Catcher workshop and it will also be posted on our website on November 10th. To complete the survey online visit our website on November 10th at:
http://womenscentre.sa.utoronto.ca/

Come be part of this celebration!

Trans Film Screening Series – Premiere – “My Friend Brindley” + Collected Works of Alec Butler

==>Trans Film Night: “MY FRIEND BRINDLEY”
==>Free Film! Free Snacks! Free Talk!

The Trans Film Screening Series hosts a FREE screening of:

“MY FRIEND BRINDLEY” & the collected works of ALEC BUTLER

Everyone welcome. Allies welcome.

 

MY FRIEND BRINDLEY: ***FILM PREMIERE*** An artistic documentary by Alec Butler about human rights activist, artist and biker Kathleen Brindley, who was the filmmaker’s best friend  until her death in 2007.

 

dir.: Alec Butler

rated:unrated (2010)

language: English (regrettably closed-caption/subtitles not available)

 

Date and Time:

Monday November 28, 2011

doors 6:30pm/ films start 7:00pm

FREE

Location:           

William Doo Auditorium

45 Willcocks st.

                                   

ALSO SHOWING:

► TRANS CABARET ► MISADVENTURES OF PUSSYBOY TRILOGY ► AUDREY’S BEARD ► UNSTOPPABLE ► DARLA’S GOODBYE . . . Artist Q&A . . . and more . . .              

 

For info and accessibility accommodations contact: tig.action.toronto@gmail.com

 

|| wheelchair accessible || refreshments – vegan ||

||  TTC tokens available || FREE ||

 

Follow on Twitter @TRANSfilmseries

womenscentre.sa.utoronto.ca

416-978-8201

 

** This event is part of “LINKED OPPRESSIONS: Racism, Homophobia, and Transphobia

organized by the Equity Students Student Union. Thank you. **

 

 

Post-event the collected film works of Alec Butler will be available through The Dr. Chun Resource Library (a social justice library and joint project with OPIRG Toronto located at The Centre for Women and Trans People).

 

*more details to be announced*

Full-Time Job Opportunity: Coordinator, Financial Administration and Communications

Job Opportunity at The Centre for Women & Trans People at U of T:

Coordinator, Financial Administration and Communications

The Centre for Women & Trans People at the University of Toronto is committed to providing a safe, harassment-free, drop-in space for all women and trans people on campus as well as in the community. The Centre is a student-funded, volunteer driven, non-profit campus and community organization governed by our Collective. The Centre provides support, referrals, resources and advocacy on issues of poverty, food security, health, violence, racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, classism, ableism and ageism, through our programs, events and workshops. The Centre is dedicated to creating an anti-oppressive environment, and promoting space for community organizing and the sharing of life experiences. The Centre’s programming is designed based on the needs and interests of the people we serve. The Centre welcomes ideas for building solidarity and a strong sense of community both on campus and in the wider community.

The role of the Coordinators is to provide continuity and stability within a continually changing environment. The Coordinators carry out responsibilities that maintain the integrity of the organization, support students and clients through peer support, workshops and training as well as referrals, assist with volunteer development and provide connections to the community.

This is a unionized position with CUPE, Local 1281.

Application Deadline: Monday, October 24, 2011 by 6:00 PM

Position Status: Full-Time Permanent, 30 Hours per week, occasional evenings and weekends

Hours of Operation: Monday to Thursday, 11am to 6pm

Starting Salary: $20.00 per hour + benefits

Start Date: As soon as possible

The Centre for Women and Trans People at U of T practices equity hiring and believes that those on the margins are often in better positions to understand how systems of oppression, power and privilege work and are maintained. We strongly encourage people who are surviving racism, colonization, poverty, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, and sexism to apply for paid positions, to be a member of the Collective or to volunteer at The Centre.

Qualifications and Essential Skills:

-Life and work experience or equivalent post-secondary degree social sciences, social work or a related field
-Strong interpersonal & oral communication skills, writing, analytical and organizational skills
-Ability to be self-directed, and work well both independently and in groups a must; experience working in a collective setting an asset
-Ability to prioritize and manage multiple demands
-Experience working with varied communities
-Knowledge of women, trans and gender issues
-Understanding of and experience working within an anti-oppression framework
-Excellent group facilitation, supervisory and staff management skills
-Experience writing grant applications and proposals
-Experience and knowledge in financial management and accounting; experience with QuickBooks an asset
-Outreach, coalition building, media and communications experience
-Excellent computer skills; computer networking skills an asset
-Experience in website maintenance and development
-Experience in graphic design an asset
-Knowledge of food security issues; an interest in food preparation is an asset
-Knowledge of community/campus issues an asset
-Knowledge of sexual health issues an asset
-Experience with policy and policy development an asset

Responsibilities:

Financial Management and Fundraising
Manage all financial aspects of The Centre including:
-Design and update budget to present to Collective and funders
-Bookkeeping, Banking, preparing for the audit for The Centre
-Payroll and Purchasing for The Centre
-Write all grant applications, including Work-Study, special projects, and summer career placement grants
-Coordinate other fundraising initiatives

Outreach and Communications
-Act as a liaison between neighbouring gender equity/women’s centres, campus and community groups, U of T Administration and Student Governments, and allied organizations
-Represent The Centre at various meetings and coalitions; respond to media inquiries
-Maintain website, bulletin boards, displays and tables
-Compile and send out e-Newsletter
-Correspondence (email and phone)
-Design promotional material, annual report, press releases and other printed material
-Conduct general outreach for The Centre

Food Security Program
Responsible for the overall operations of this program including:
-Coordinate the Community Cupboard and the Good Food Box
-Coordinate “The Spice” (a community cooking program)

Collective Support
-Work with The Collective to ensure Collective meetings engage in consensus decision-making and effective, collective-style meeting facilitation
-Assist The Collective in scheduling and preparing for Collective meetings
-Follow-up on decisions made in Collective meetings
-Co-organize orientations of new Collective members
-Administration support to The Collective

General Duties
-Maintain office hours and attend Collective meetings
-Maintain room bookings and act as a liaison with outside groups who use the space
-Liaise with campus, community groups, U of T Administration and Student Governments
-Hire and supervise part-time positions including Work-Study and HRSDC students
-Participate in training initiatives that are relevant to your duties at The Centre
-Ensure the general upkeep and cleanliness of The Centre

How to apply:
Applicants must provide a résumé, cover letter, and single spaced, one page statement. If writing a statement poses an obstacle due to a disability or issues around language, please advise The Centre prior to the deadline and we will develop an alternative. The one page statement is based on the following question:

You have been given a large grant to start up a university-based centre for women and trans people. What essential elements (programming, space usage, policies, etc.) do you think are necessary to include in your Centre?

Complete applications can be mailed, emailed, faxed or dropped off at The Centre:

The Centre for Women and Trans People at U of T
c/o of the Hiring Committee
563 Spadina Ave., Room 100
Toronto, ON M5S 2J7
Email: thecentre.hiring@gmail.com
Fax: 416-978-1078

Interviews will be held during the last week of October, 2011.
No phone calls please. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Trans Film Screening Series presents “Glen or Glenda”

==>Trans Film Night: “GLEN OR GLENDA”
==>Free Film! Free Snacks! Free Talk!

The Trans Film Screening Series hosts a FREE screening of:
“GLEN OR GLENDA”

Everyone welcome. Allies welcome.

► GLEN OR GLENDA: wildly considered the worst film ever . . . it is an exploitation film created by Ed Wood, and featuring Bela Lugosi. The film is a docudrama about cross-dressing and semi-autobiographical. Wood himself was a crossdresser, and the film is a plea for tolerance.

“Glen or Glenda” tells two stories. One is about Glen, who secretly dresses as a woman but is afraid to tell his fiancée. The other is about Alan, a “pseudohermaphrodite” who undergoes a painful operation to become a woman. The film delivers earnest (even if incoherent) lectures on understanding. A cult classic with great conviction.

Campy with comic appeal and definitely a B-movie beyond the mainstream – come question what is has to say.

dir.: Ed Wood
rated: unrated (1953)
language: English (regrettably closed-caption/subtitles not available)
<68min> B&W

DATE AND TIME:
Monday October 24, 2011
6:30pm – 8:30pm
FREE

LOCATION:
The Centre for Women and Trans People
563 Spadina Ave. rm.100
wheelchair accessible through Bancroft Avenue
seating may be limited

For info and accessibility accommodations contact: tig.action.toronto@gmail.com

Vegan & nut-free meal/snacks (ingredient list available)
TTC tokens available.
Open discussion afterwards.

womenscentre.sa.utoronto.ca
416-978-8201