Simply Beyond

Welcome to Trans Canada Stories!

Meet Emma (she/her) and Cyn (she/her) as Emma shares her transitioning story, and the two talk about the importance of access to gender affirming care, and the role of the queer community as a support resource.
Emma shares a beautiful story about her own transition, recalling how the experience drew her closer to not only her community, but to her mother as well.

Later in the show, Emma and Cyn speak with Felix Vandergrift (He/Him). Felix is a researcher and works in governmental relations. He is an active advocate for TGNB rights, access to gender affirming healthcare, supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, harm reduction and human rights.

Felix recently underwent top surgery in Dartmouth thanks to the plastics team at the QEII and is continuing to push for more access to better gender affirming care for all TGNB folks in the province.

Felix's Literature Review
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w93LegmDGp-NjYUpMIq96g_mhMe6gF_WK-7cMnkCMzY/edit

TD Connected Community Moment
Trans Canada Stories are your stories, and we want to know what you want to hear. Follow this link to fill out our Google Doc form and let us know what you want from this podcast!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5FM151Ud0q-I3V_EoDii5c600DVf-a-_Y9BYf1dd366cdsw/viewform

For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

Get Social: 

• Creators & Guests

This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

Get Social: 
Creators & Guests

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 
• Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
• Check out the gender affirming children's story, based on a true story, 'The Pink Balloon'. Available on Amazon.
• The first 6 episodes of Trans Canada Stories were made possible with support from community partner TD Bank Group.

Welcome to Trans Canada Stories!

It's a podcast dedicated to cutting through the headlines and clickbait to tell real stories about real trans people living in Canada today. 

This is a place to celebrate trans joy and the successes (big and small) which inspire it. We'll desensationalize the stories of trans people to tell honest accounts of the trans experience. We want to provide role models and heroes for the community to look up to and admire, while helping to foster the development and strengthening of trans communities across Canada.

For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

Find us on: 

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)
• Twitter (@simplygoodform)
• Instagram (@simplygoodform)
• LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/)

This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

Hosts: Emma Stanley (She/Her) and Cyn Sweeney (She/Her)
Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io

In our final episode of season three, we are finishing off with a powerhouse of a guest. Fae Johnstone (They/She) is Executive Director and Co-Owner of Wisdom2Action (W2A). She is an experienced community engagement expert, diversity and inclusion consultant, and project manager. Over her past two years working with W2A, Fae has led local, provincial, and national initiatives focused on 2SLGBTQ+ community health and wellness, youth mental health, meaningful community engagement, and gender-based violence. Also, she's been on a chocolate bar. 

After having her likeness depicted Hershey's chocolate bars a part of their International Women's Day promotion, Fae became the focal point of an international boycott targeting Hershey's. The homophobic and transphobic vitriol exploded from the far-right ecosystem online, only 72 hours after sharing a post to her Twitter. In the following days and weeks, Fae's face, name, and entire life story was published online and being picked apart by the likes of Rebel News and Tucker Carlson.

In today's conversation, we hear all about this tumultuous time in Fae's life, reflecting on what her experience says about anti-trans conspiracies fomenting in far-right circles here in Canada. Even in the face of unbelievable adversity, Fae continues her essential work as a key voice for Queer and Trans rights in Canada today. 

Hey, Cis! Connected Communities Moment - Thriveworks:

This summer, Thriveworks will be connecting with rural communities across Atlantic Canada to talk about 2SLGBTQIA+ career opportunities. We want to hear from you what it is that you need to achieve your career goals, so reach out to us on our social media to share your thoughts!

Find us on: 

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)
• Twitter (@simplygoodform)
• Instagram (@simplygoodform)
• LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/)

Links:

• Wisdom2Action: https://www.wisdom2action.org/
• Thrive Queer Careers & Resiliency: https://www.simplygoodform.com/THRIVE
• Hershey Canada News Release: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/hershey-canada-releases-limited-edition-her-for-she-bars-to-celebrate-canadian-women-building-a-better-future-844318857.html

Music: 

Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself

Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP

Website: http://www.Craymo.com

This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)
Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io

For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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In this episode, Cyn and Isaac kick off summer with their book reviewer friend, Abbey Campbell (she/her), who shares some of the most exciting new publications to hit the world of Queer literature. Looking for a good novel to take on vacation, or something to read with your morning coffee? Then tune in, because Abbey and the team at Hey, Cis! have you covered!

Did one of the books we talk about in this episode catch your interest? 
Featured Texts (with appropriate content warnings):

• The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag
  The Girl from the Sea is a sapphic coming-of-age story about a young rural Nova Scotian girl named Morgan, who kisses a selkie one night after being saved from drowning in the sea.
  Content warning(s): Outing, near drowning, divorce (mention)
  Find the author on these socials:
  Twitter: @MollyOstertag
  Instagram: @molly_ostertag
  Website: www.mollyostertag.com

• This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone
  Two time-traveling agents from warring futures, working their way through the past, begin to exchange letters—and fall in love.
  Content warning(s): Self-harm, descriptions of dead bodies and body parts, blood-drinking, murder & attempted murder, gun violence, poisoning, torture, imprisonment, animal death, war
  Find the authors on these socials:
  Twitter: @tithenai & @maxgladstone
  Instagram: @amalelmohtar & @max.gladstone
  Website: www.amalelmohtar.com & www.maxgladstone.com 

• Us by Sara Soler (out July 25th, 2023)
  Originally written in Spanish, Us by Sara Soler tells the true love story of Sara and her girlfriend, Diana. Sara illustrates their shared past as a heteronormative couple and guides the reader through the ups and downs of coming out and accepting yourself. For Sara, it was finding out that she was bi. For Diana, it was finding out she was trans.
  Content warning(s): Gender dysphoria, transphobia, homophobia, biphobia
  Find the author on these socials:
  Twitter: @Hammer_moon
  Instagram: @sarasoler_art

• A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon
  Standalone prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree. It’s set just shy of five centuries before Priory and covers the period known as the Great Sorrow.
  Content warning(s): Cancer (implied), childbirth, child loss, child marriage, mass death, mind control, miscarriage (mention), pandemic, parental death, postnatal depression, pregnancy, reproductive coercion, violence, vomiting
  Find the author on these socials:
  Twitter: @say_shannon
  Instagram: @say_shannon

• Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa
  Aristotle and Dante meets The Hate U Give meets The Sun Is Also A Star. A stunning YA contemporary love story about a Mexican-American non-binary teen who falls in love with an undocumented Mexican bisexual boy.
  Content warning(s): racism, xenophobia, ICE, deportation of a character, death of a family member, underage drinking, use of drugs, sex (mention off-page), vomiting
  Find the author on these socials:
  Twitter: @JONNYescribe
  Instagram: @jonnyinstas
  Website: www.jonnygarzavilla.com 

Hey, Cis! Connected Communities Summer Reading Give-Away:

We’ve shared a few of our picks, now let’s hear from you!

What Queer reads are on your list for summer 2023? Have a recommendation for Hey, Cis! Listeners? Share it here for your chance to WIN a gift voucher for $25.00 CAD to one of our favourite Queer bookstores, Venus Envy.

To Enter:

Share one of your Queer Summer Reading recommendations, along with your name, address and contact details on the entry form below between now and June 30, 2023 at 12pm.

Winner will be randomly drawn and contacted within 24 hours of the draw to receive their virtual gift voucher.  No purchase necessary. No cash value and not redeemable for cash.
Check out the contest page for more information.

Contest runs 12 a.m. June 7, 2023 to 12 p.m. on June 30, 2023.

Entry Form Link: https://forms.gle/qxLc9YikFn7kzSc29

Music: 

Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself

Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP

Website: http://www.Craymo.com

This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)
Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io

For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Today, Cyn and Isaac are joined by Kate Lum-Potvin (she/her) and Dr. Frank Sileo (he/his), co-authors of the new children's book, Pride and Joy: A Story About Becoming a LGBTQIA+ Ally. In this conversation, Kate and Dr. Sileo explain the reasons why they decided to write a book on allyship from the perspective of a young child, and their hopes for the impact it may have.

The story follows a young Joy who, after witnessing an act of homophobia targeted at her older brother Noah, is compelled to help in any way she can. The book introduces young readers to the concept of allyship gently, with resources for teachers and parents to help facilitate further learning and discussion.

Pride and Joy will be available on May 18, 2023 at major book retailers, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Show links:

- Hey, Cis! TD Connected Community Moment: Enter for a chance to win a Hey, Cis! Prize Pack by leaving a message on SpeakPipe

- Preorder or purchase Pride and Joy: A Story About Becoming a LGBTQIA+ Ally

Music: 

Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself

Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP

Website: http://www.Craymo.com

This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)
Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io

For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this archive episode of Hey, Cis!, co-host Isaac Cook (they/he) sits down with Emma Stanley (she/her) to explore what real trans inclusion requires — not just visibility, but support, access, and the ability to thrive in everyday life.

Recorded in the lead-up to Trans Day of Visibility, this conversation looks at why representation matters, especially when it moves beyond crisis narratives and makes space for trans people to be seen living full, ordinary, successful lives. Emma shares how finding community can change a person’s confidence, ambitions, and sense of possibility.

Together, Isaac and Emma explore:

• why visibility must go beyond dramatic or tragic narratives
• the barriers trans people face in legal name and gender marker changes
• the gap between symbolic inclusion and systemic change
• the differences between rural and urban access to trans-affirming support
• why employment access and community networks matter so deeply

“The best that we can do is continue to be visible, continue to organize, and continue to take action to secure our own space within our own culture.”

Emma also shares more about Thrive, a free employment-readiness program designed to help 2SLGBTQIA+ youth build resumes, prepare for interviews, grow their confidence, and better assess whether a workplace is genuinely inclusive.

This episode is part of the Simply Beyond archive, preserving important conversations that continue to shape how we think about inclusion, belonging, and community care. Produced by Cynthia Sweeney as part of the original Hey, Cis! podcast series.

Show links:

- How To Thrive Beyond Survive: https://cynsweeney.com/post/simply-beyondhow-to-thrive-not-just-survive  
- Hey, Cis! TD Connected Community Moment: Simply Good Form's Name and Gender Marker Change Pathway & Clinics

- Da'Shaun (They/Them) on Twitter: "To be visibly Queer is to choose your happiness over your safety."

Music: 

Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself

Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP

Website: http://www.Craymo.com

This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

Hey, Cis! Season 3 is sponsored by TD Bank Group.

Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)
Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io

For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode, Isaac (He/They) and Cyn (She/Her) have an energy-packed conversation with the first openly transgender Canadian woman to win the Rhodes Scholarship. Julia Levy (She/Her), joins us from British Columbia and shares with us her thoughts on a scholarship that is not without its historical controversy, and not originally intended for someone like her. As Julia comes to terms with the award, before heading to Oxford University and putting it to good use; she dives deep into the intersections of being trans in a science-based leadership role. From harm-reduction and trans care, to accessible chemistry educational software, Julia's a Chemist with intention on making an impact in her community.

Show links:

- Hey, Cis! TD Connected Community Moment: Celebrating scholarships, if you’re a soon-to-be High School Graduate and involved with Pflag Canada, be sure to connect with your local Chapter before March 20th to have your name put forward for the Ted Rogers Scholarship.

- https://about.rogers.com/our-impact/ted-rogers-scholarships/

- Pflag Canada Chapters - https://pflagcanada.ca/ 

- TD Scholarship opportunities: https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/solutions/student-banking/community-leadership-scholarship-for-canadians

Produced and edited in-house.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

MUSIC: 

Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself

Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP

Website: http://www.Craymo.com

For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Mariat Jibril leads with love and her leadership is infectious. 

In this latest episode of Hey, Cis! Isaac (he/they) and Cyn (she/her) join Mariat Jibril (she/her) in Vancouver, British Columbia and have a coast-to-coast conversation about being a Black, queer advocate and financial professional working in equity, diversity and inclusion.

As interest rates hike upwards with unrelenting stamina, we’re thinking about how our identities impacts our ability to access financial stability. 

Mariat is the Regional Manager of LGBTQ2+ Business Development at TD Bank Group. She divides her time between British Columbia and Yukon Territory and is a CGLCC LGBT+ Business Advocate finalist 2022; where Cyn had the pleasure of first connecting with her.

Mariat advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion. As a black, queer influencer, Mariat has a passion for creating success for business owners, and the community at large.
Perspectives, insights and resources we loved talking about in this episode.

Show links:

Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)
Producer: Connor Samson (He/Him) podstarter.io
HeyCis.com
The Bridge Blog at Simply Good Form Inc.: TD Connected Communities Moment and Black History Month through a Queer lens
Pflag Canada
Connect with Mariat Jibril on Twitter, LinkedIn

LinkedIn

Linktree

Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

MUSIC: 

Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself

Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP
 

For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

“I thought I'm pretty good at what I do. Am I prepared to sacrifice all of that? And why should I have to?“

In this episode, Terri McDowell (She/Her), a Saskatchewan-born, C-Suite business leader gets vulnerable about what is was like transitioning in and on the job, in a profession that's male, cisgender dominant; and she shows us how she is inspiring transgender people professionally, through ‘the art of the possible.’

A Partner & Principal at financial advisory firm Ernst and Young (EY), Terri vulnerably shares, as a transgender woman, challenges and triumphs of her own personal gender transition on the job in a male and cisgender dominated profession, and provides tips on being allies on-the-job and how to avoid corporate pink-washing in an historically challenging period for transgender human rights worldwide.

Show links:

- Hey, Cis! TD Connected Community Moment: https://www.menti.com/alkb4uo5chb8 to participate. Then click here for results.

- Terri’s CGLCC Business Leader of the Year award: 

- https://www.simplygoodform.ca/blog/peak-inside-the-Black-and-White-Gala 

- https://www.cglcc.ca/2022/11/16/business-leadership-award-winners-2022/ 

- Vulnerability of transgender human rights and anti-trans legislation: 

• https://19thnews.org/2023/01/trans-health-care-bills-2023-legislative-session-lgbtq/
• https://www.aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-rights

Produced and edited in-house.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

MUSIC: 

Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself

Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP

Website: http://www.Craymo.com

For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Books, tunes and gratitude. Welcome to the final episode of 2022 as we get festive with a Hey, Cis! Year-in-Review. 

This episode is hosted by Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (He/They), with Emma Stanley (She/Her).

Emma joins the show from Thailand, and we have to say we're a little envious of her 'winter attire'. In this episode we wanted to reflect back on a rollercoaster year and share some laughs, successes and our gratitude for all our followers and listeners.

You'll remember Emma from our Season 2 episodes on travel this Spring:

• S2:E29: Traveling While Trans, The Baggage Fee for Biological Bias
• S2: E30: Traveling While Trans, How to Pass as a Canadian

Connected Communities Feature:

In partnership with TD Bank Group...drum roll.... we are excited to add a little jingle in your nog this month, with Episode 35 and an accompanying Queer Cheer playlist, tween and teen book recommendations and more. And we need to hear from you! 

• What are you listening too and reading? 
• Add to our playlist and share your books faves

BONUS! Head over to the blog post and download our Top Tunes for the Hols, AND great reads for Queer tweens and teens for the holiday season, thanks to recommendations from two local Queer-owned stores Venus Envy and Cape and Cowl Comics and Collectibles.

Plus, who wouldn't want to see our kitschy team snowscape, cheese-ball recording photos (because, we've no shame. Why would we?)?

SHOW NOTES:

Simply Good Form has been named a Finalist in the upcoming Halifax Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year of Award! Check out all the amazing business finalists here. 

Cyn is a cis, straight beyond binary educator and author passionate about 'beyond binary' inclusion and breaking heteronormative and gender-normative practices.  As a mother, storyteller and community writer, Cynthia is inspired by peoples stories - and listening fully. In 1998 Cynthia was told by a Supervisor that she has a 'tendency to go against the grain,' when it came to her 'drive to complete projects'. It wasn't meant as a compliment. Something her 28-year-old self couldn't realize at the time, was that this is one of her super powers. She's grateful everyday for the work she is doing.

Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Isaac Cook is a transgender, non-binary, queer person with a passion for making change. With a degree in Linguistics and Criminology, Isaac has more than seven years of communications, marketing and web development experience with a particular passion for STEM- focused and non-profit organizations. Outside of their work with Cyn at Simply Good Form Inc., Isaac enjoys cooking, travelling, astrology and hanging out with his dogs Aspen and Timber.

Produced and edited in-house.

Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

MUSIC: 

Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself

Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP

Website: http://www.Craymo.com