Simply Beyond

Diversity flows beneath the waters off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia and above the surface in Atlantic Canada. Alexa Goodman (They/Them) and Aaron Judah (He/Him) both with MEOPAR and ocean sciences; know the importance of inclusion and representation within STEM; and they're making waves.

It's a fast hour packed with great insight into inclusion and belonging and shifting the narrative in the Ocean Sciences and STEM. In this episode we chat with Alexa Goodman and Aaron Judah. 

Join this conversation by taking part in our Connecting Communities Word Cloud! Show us how many diverse salty dogs we've out there tuning in!

Alexa Goodman (They/Them), is a marine manager passionate about doing good for our planet and its people by shifting awareness into action, using curiosity, compassion and strong project management to lead the way. They joined the MEOPAR team in May 2021 as Training Program Manager to equip the next generation of marine researchers with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in their careers. Alexa is a scientist, intersectional environmental activist, practising yogi, and a driving force in managing abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear, also called ‘ghost gear’.

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Aaron (he/him/his) is a gay, mixed (Indian-Italian-Middle Eastern), bi-religious (Bene Israel Judaism-Roman Catholic) marine ecologist who focuses on the functionality of marine ecosystems under human impacts and global change. If you've ever scratched head around intersectionality and the impacts of minority identities with STEM and beyond.

Diving picts of Aaron in action alongside Alexa can be seen over at the BLOG along with our Community Connection Game. Read their full bios and more here.

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. On November 11th, Cyn attended the CGLCC 2022 Business Leaders Awards as a Finalist in the Business Advocate of Year Award. Check out some photos from the night and see a long list of game-changers and incredible leaders from across Turtle Island.

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

Cyn is a cis, straight beyond binary educator and author passionate about 'beyond binary' inclusion and breaking heteronormative and cisnormative 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.

Proudly sponsored by 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

Kwe’! It is Mi'kmaq History Month throughout the province of Nova Scotia and Hey, Cis! is celebrating... and learning... together with our special guest, Kassidy Bernard (they/them/Nekem). Kassidy Bernard is an L’nu and Scottish Two-Spirit youth from We’koqma’q. Kassidy grew up in Unama’ki, one of the seven ancestral districts of Mi’kma’ki.

'In my twenty-five years of life, I’ve grown and made connections within my L’nu, Two-Spirit, and creative communities. I continue to unlearn colonial standards to make room for my L’nu worldview which prioritizes humor, rest, and community care. This is reflected in my relationships; creations in design, illustration, and podcasting; and in my continued learning in body literacy, birthwork, foraging, and whatever else my neurodivergent mind desires!'

In addition to being a co-owner of Patuo’kn Illustration and Design with their older sister Kaylyn, Kassidy holds an elected role as Indigenous Rep for CFS-NS.

After six years living in Kjipuktuk, and attending NSCAD University, they moved back home. It was in Kjipuktuk that they say they blossomed, and are thankful to the supportive community of friends that formed around them. Kassidy now lives happily at the foot of Apitusa’, the mountain that looks over the lake in We’koqma’q.

To learn more about Kassidy's favourite music, film recommendations and more, head over to our blog The Bridge on Saturday!

Credits

You can connect with Kassidy:

• Instagram: @kassidyraine
• Facebook: @kassidy.bernard.7

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

Cyn is a cis, straight beyond binary educator and author focusing on 'beyond binary' inclusion and breaking heteronormative and cisnormative practices.  As a storyteller and community writer Cynthia is inspired by peoples stories - and listening fully. In her late 20s she felt insulted to be described as a 'bull in china shop,' when it came to pushing barriers and cutting through red tape. More than two decades on, she realizes it's served as one of her best assets in role-modelling for her 3 children and family.

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 six years of communications, marketing and web development experience with a particular passion for STEM- focused and non-profit organizations. Outside of his 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.

Proudly sponsored by 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

'Do disabled people get to have pleasure? And, you know, there's also all these other rules that go along with how people get it on; how people have sex and feel pleasure together. 

And one of the biggest myths that come up is around this idea of like spontaneity, where like every time we have sex, there should be no conversation that happens...' reflects Rachele Manett, on early childhood perceptions around the way sex is 'supposed to be'.

In this episode of Hey, Cis! we are talking about the intersections of ability and the accessibility of accessing pleasure; the privilege that accompanies ability when it comes to connecting sexually with others and ourselves.

Isaac (He/They) and Cyn (She/Her) are pleased to welcome Rachele Manett (she/they) to the show. Rachele is a queer, Jewish, disabled sexuality educator. They are currently the education coordinator for Venus Envy; an education-based sex shop and book store located in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Nova Scotia, where they organize and deliver workshops on all sorts of sexy topics.

Rachele has a particular interest in accessible sex practices and pleasure experiences.

"I think that once sort of disability became a part of my life, my existence, I was like, Oh, I can throw this entire rule book that I thought existed out the window because it's clearly not working for me anymore. Like, I had to rethink a lot of stuff, but I also think that that has had a big effect on how I see queer sex existing.'

Promoting healthy conversations around body parts and body types plays a big role body positivity and body autonomy. But what happens when body terminology doesn't work for you? Or there isn't representation out there that supports your identity? What kind of barriers form and why are they harmful?

Listen up folks! This episode is a tip of the iceberg around conversations that should be happening around sex and pleasure and we're excited you're here!

If you're a parent or a caregiver of a transgender or non-binary youth, teen or young adult, or you're an educator; this episode is all about inclusion, pleasure, accessibility and breaking down myths and stigma linked to cisnormative bias. We also talk about tools, toys and supports promoting body euphoria for trans youth. Because.... if we're not talking about it, you may never find out.

Hey, Cis! is changing the narrative, one conversation at a time; and building better humans along the way. Thanks for tuning-in.

Head over to our Blog THE BRIDGE on Sunday for more.

Credits

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

Cyn is a cis, straight beyond binary educator and author focusing on 'beyond binary' inclusion and breaking heteronormative and cisnormative practices.  As a storyteller and community writer Cynthia is inspired by peoples stories - and listening fully. In her late 20s she felt insulted to be described as a 'bull in china shop,' when it came to pushing barriers and cutting through red tape. More than two decades on, she realizes it's served as one of her best assets in role-modelling for her 3 children and family.

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 six years of communications, marketing and web development experience with a particular passion for STEM- focused and non-profit organizations. Outside of his 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.

Proudly sponsored by 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

Being 'great' at Grand-parenting isn't so hard. But what happens when you're a Grandparent and you've learned one of your grandchildren is trans? How do you keep the 'Grand' in Grandparent?

Welcome to Season 3: Episode 31 of Hey, Cis!

Want to be THAT Grandparent who has earned their bragging rights? In the season launch episode of Hey, Cis! podcast, we're celebrating Grandparents Day leading up to September 11th and talking with Trans Black activist and public speaker, Chris Cochrane (She/Her), about the challenges that relationships between Grandparents and family members experience, after learning they have a gender-expansive, transgender or non-binary grandchild.

And it's not only for Grandparents, Nona's, Papa's and Ami's! Maybe you're the parent or caregiver grappling with this very situation. Or a close family member. Tune-in and go beyond binary with us.

Our guest Chris Cochrane is from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia and shares her experience transitioning and the reactions of some extended family. Chris speaks and educates about her lived experience through her intersectionality. 

Chris is also a Grandparent, or as she says, 'Ami' because she's just too young to be a Grandma! Chris has five grandchildren  - yep, five fab grandkids and she talks with Isaac and Cyn, about ways for Grandparents (and extended family members) can focus on strengthening family connections, rather than dismantling them; while they learn to understand the complexities of gender identity.You won't want to miss this episode. 

Head over to our Blog THE BRIDGE on Sunday for more TIPS in talking with Grandparents, extended family members and resource links.

Educational resources, books and comics:

• Cape and Cowl Comics and Collectibles
• Venus Envy

Tune-in next time when we will be talking with Rachele Manet (she/they), a Queer Educator at Venus Envy about trans youth and accessibility to resources and supports! This episode is all about pleasure, accessibility and breaking down stigma linked to cisnormative bias. 

Credits

GUEST: Chris Cochrane works toward creating spaces for QTBIPOC people, as well as working with 2SLGBTIQIA+ youth to ensure those spaces will be upheld for years to come. Currently she is The Support Service Educator for The Youth Project. Chris also sits as the Vice Chair of Halifax Pride where she uses that platform to ensure equity for all of the the community, while focusing on our marginalized and racialized communities. You can connect with Chris at [email protected].

Hey, Cis! is hosted by Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (He/They).

Cyn is a cis, straight beyond binary educator and author focusing on 'beyond binary' inclusion and breaking heteronormative and cisnormative practices.  As a storyteller and community writer Cynthia is inspired by peoples stories - and listening fully. In her late 20s she felt insulted to be described as a 'bull in china shop,' when it came to pushing barriers and cutting through red tape. More than two decades on, she realizes it's served as one of her best assets in role-modelling for her 3 children and family.

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 six years of communications, marketing and web development experience with a particular passion forSTEM- focused and non-profit organizations. Outside of his 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.

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

Proudly supported by TD Bank Group. 

Produced and edited in-house.

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

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

Being in an airport is always a stressful time- we've all had moments traveling when we had to hurry through security when you notice your running late to your flight. Traveling for transgender individuals however, comes with an additional layer of anxiety that many cisgender individuals take for granted.

In the second part of this two-part series, Isaac and Cyn are joined by Simply Good Form's own Emma Stanley (She/Her) who is a frequent flyer and an expert at 'boymoding' to ensure she can get through security without any hassle. Emma shares with her experiences with border security officers, traveling to foreign countries and provides advice to fellow trans travellers who may be second guessing their upcoming trip.

We are also joined by Veronica Landry of Boot Prints Hiking Tours in Nova Scotia. As a local tourism and experience provider it was important for Veronica to ensure she was taking the steps to be inclusive and welcoming of LGBTQ+ travellers and hikers. Veronica has an LGBTQ+ special hiking multi-day tour in Cape Breton this summer, at the end of Halifax PRIDE festival.  More details on her website.

Hey, Cis! is a beyond binary conversation in being a better human.

We are about current affairs and gender-based issues affecting trans and non-binary youth, students and adults within our Maritime community.

We take on difficult topics; (and this week it is a difficult topic), breaking us out of the binary, smashing stigma and fostering greater connection between our cisgender community and trans, gender creative and non-binary community.

Thanks for your support:

We'd love your support in producing sustainably high-calibre content. Consider supporting with a ko-fi - it's easy and every sip counts.  This month we are also raising funds to support a Pflag Halifax trans youth Art Night in July and your donations will 100% support this event!

Credits

Guest: Emma Stanley: [email protected]

Hey, Cis! is hosted by Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (He/They).

Cyn is a cis, straight beyond binary educator and author focusing on 'beyond binary' inclusion and breaking heteronormative and cisnormative practices.  As a storyteller and community writer Cynthia is inspired by peoples stories - and listening fully. In her late 20s she felt insulted to be described as a 'bull in china shop,' when it came to pushing barriers and cutting through red tape. More than two decades on, she realizes it's served as one of her best assets in role-modelling for her 3 children and family.

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 six years of communications, marketing and web development experience with a particular passion forSTEM- focused and non-profit organizations. Outside of his 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.

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

Being in an airport is always a stressful time- we've all had moments traveling when we had to hurry through security when you notice your running late to your flight. Traveling for transgender individuals however, comes with an additional layer of anxiety that many cisgender individuals take for granted.

In the frst part of this two-part series, Isaac and Cyn are joined by Simply Good Form's own Emma Stanley (She/Her) who is a frequent flyer and an expert at 'boymoding' to ensure she can get through security without any hassle. Emma shares with her experiences with border security officers, traveling to foreign countries and provides advice to fellow trans travellers who may be second guessing their upcoming trip.

Hey, Cis! is a beyond binary conversation in being a better human.

We are about current affairs and gender-based issues affecting trans and non-binary youth, students and adults within our Maritime community.

We take on difficult topics; (and this week it is a difficult topic), breaking us out of the binary, smashing stigma and fostering greater connection between our cisgender community and trans, gender creative and non-binary community.

Thanks for your support:

We'd love your support in producing sustainably high-calibre content. Consider supporting with a ko-fi - it's easy and every sip counts.

Credits

Guest: Emma Stanley (She/Her): [email protected] 

Hey, Cis! is hosted by Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (He/They).

Cyn is a cis, straight beyond binary educator and author focusing on 'beyond binary' inclusion and breaking heteronormative and cisnormative practices.  As a storyteller and community writer Cynthia is inspired by peoples stories - and listening fully. In her late 20s she felt insulted to be described as a 'bull in china shop,' when it came to pushing barriers and cutting through red tape. More than two decades on, she realizes it's served as one of her best assets in role-modelling for her 3 children and family.

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 six years of communications, marketing and web development experience with a particular passion forSTEM- focused and non-profit organizations. Outside of his 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.

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

CW:  This episode contains strong language and themes of a sexual manner.

"I know what you already think about me. I know that you think I'm.. you know.. less than.  I know you think I'm not viable... for Queer men," says Andrew Gurza talking about reclaiming the word Cripple.

But, you don't get to define Andrew Gurza, our Guest today on Hey, Cis! 

As we approach the end of Season 2, we are talking all about ableism, the 'power of being crippled' and breaking down stigma by talking about what matters.

Andrew Gurza is an award-winning Disability Awareness Consultant and the Chief Disability Officer and Co-founder of Bump’n, a sex toy company for and by disabled people. Andrew uses they/he pronouns and identifies proudly as disabled. He has spoken all over the world on sex, disability and what it means to be a Queer Cripple.  

Their work has been featured on BBC, CBC, Daily Xtra, Gay Times UK, Huffington Post, The Advocate, Everyday Feminism, Mashable, Out.com, and several anthologies.  He was the subject of an award winning National Film Board of Canada Documentary “Picture This”.  

In addition to those accolades, Andrew is also the host of Disability After Dark: The Podcast Shining a Bright Light on Disability Stories, which won a Canadian Podcast Award in 2021. Disability After Dark was a Queerty Award nominee, and was chosen as an Honoree at the 2020 Webby Awards. 

The show is available on all platforms. Andrew is also the creator of the viral hashtag #DisabledPeopleAreHot. 

VLOG Post

We took the conversation and spoke with Rachele Manett (They/She) of Venus Envy. Head over to our blog to hear a behind-the-scenes interview with Rachele Mannett of Venus Envy where Rachele shares with Cyn in an video interview, inclusive books including one co-authored by Andrew Gurza and information about the intersectional barriers experienced by LGBTQ+ people living with a disability.

You can find out more about Andrew by visiting www.andrewgurza.com and connecting via social media @andrewgurza1  

Hey, Cis! is a beyond binary conversation in being a better human.

We are about current affairs and gender-based issues affecting trans and non-binary youth, students and adults within our Maritime community.

We take on difficult topics; (and this week it is a difficult topic), breaking us out of the binary, smashing stigma and fostering greater connection between our cisgender community and trans, gender creative and non-binary community.

Thanks for your support:

We'd love your support in producing sustainably high-calibre content. Consider supporting with a ko-fi - it's easy and every sip counts.

Credits

Hey, Cis! is hosted by Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (He/They).

Cyn is a cis, straight beyond binary educator and author focusing on 'beyond binary' inclusion and breaking heteronormative and cisnormative practices.  As a storyteller and community writer Cynthia is inspired by peoples stories - and listening fully. In her late 20s she felt insulted to be described as a 'bull in china shop,' when it came to pushing barriers and cutting through red tape. More than two decades on, she realizes it's served as one of her best assets in role-modelling for her 3 children and family.

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 six years of communications, marketing and web development experience with a particular passion forSTEM- focused and non-profit organizations. Outside of his 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.

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

Who has four paws, almost 200k followers on twitter and approximately 10 years of vaccine research experience? Todays special guest, Chise!

On previous episodes, Isaac and Cyn have had the honour to chat with members of our local community who are HIV positive and with the development of COVID-19 vaccines- the possibility of an HIV vaccine has emerged and became more of a reality.

In this episode of Hey, Cis! we have the great pleasure to chat with Chise, an American Senior Scientist in Vaccine Research and Development who is not only supporting the efforts to develop the HIV vaccine, but also to debunk myths and advocate for accurate, up to date science communication.

Chise (She/They) lives on the East Coast, USA and has been a Senior Scientist in Vaccine Research and Development for approximately 10 years. Her research focuses on uncovering mechanisms of viral pathogenesis and host immunity then applying that knowledge toward development of safer and more effective vaccines. Currently, her research efforts have been dedicated to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) as she helped develop and provide research for Moderna’s vaccine that was co-developed with NIAID.

Outside of the pandemic, her research efforts have been dedicated to studying MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, Zika, Ebola, DENV, HIV, RSV, Influenza, and other emerging pathogens.When she is not at work or conducting research, she utilizes her ‘fursonas’ and social media platforms to provide science communication on Twitter under @sailorrooscout to help aid people’s understanding of COVID-19 and the COVID vaccines. She also is a strong activist and member of the BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Hey, Cis! is a beyond binary conversation in being a better human.

We are about current affairs and gender-based issues affecting trans and non-binary youth, students and adults within our Maritime community.

We take on difficult topics; (and this week it is a difficult topic), breaking us out of the binary, smashing stigma and fostering greater connection between our cisgender community and trans, gender creative and non-binary community.

Produced and edited in-house.

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

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

Credits

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

Did you have a role model growing up?  

Someone you could see yourself in.... someone with similar passions, goals, values to your own?  

What does isolation feel like, when you do not have this kind of connection? And why is it so important?

Connection, visibility and belonging have never been more important and today we are talking to an inspiring leader who is creating connections for Queer people in our community through a new program, along with someone who is benefiting from these meaningful connections.

Everyone deserves a role modeland that is the motto at Proud Pairs, a one-on-one mentorship program connecting 2SLGBTQ+ youth with 2SLGBTQ+ adults in the Halifax Regional Municipality. This program, which is currently in its first wave, is founded by Lauren Sobot (she/her), a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University.

After being positively impacted by her own 2SLGBTQ+ mentors in university, Lauren became passionate about launching Proud Pairs to bring the transformative experience of mentorship to other young people! 

Today Lauren and Lily (they/them), a mentee of the program, join us here on Hey, Cis! to talk about the importance of mentorship for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, why having a role model is something many cisgender people take for granted, and the impact the program has had on the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Nova Scotia.

Hey, Cis! is a beyond binary conversation in being a better human.

We are about current affairs and gender-based issues affecting trans and non-binary youth, students and adults within our Maritime community.

We take on difficult topics; (and this week it is a difficult topic), breaking us out of the binary, smashing stigma and fostering greater connection between our cisgender community and trans, gender creative and non-binary community. 

Thanks for your support:

Hey, Cis! is a volunteer podcast and we'd love your support in producing sustainably high-calibre content. Consider supporting with a ko-fi - it's easy and every sip counts.

Show Notes & Links:

• Lauren Sobot (she/her), Founder & Program Coordinator - Proud Pairs 2SLGBTQ+ Mentorship Program
• [email protected]
• proudpairs.com 
• Instagram: @proudpairs
• Produced and edited in-house.
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 

In Season 2, episode #25 of Hey, Cis!, 'Taking ACCOUNTability with X' we hit on an important topic about accountability.

X (They/ Them) is a visual artist who uses drag as their medium. Working primarily as a performer and show producer within the nightlife scene in Halifax, Nova Scotia; X uses their platform to explore gender, fashion, performance, and persona. Starting to produce under their stage name in 2018, X gravitated towards this subversive art form because it allowed them to culminate many different creative disciplines at once while being unapologetically queer. 

In addition to performing in the nightlife scene, X has gone on to work on various multimedia projects including producing fashion films in partnership with Halifax based designers, Producing self-portrait series, working alongside musicians and most recently due to the covid 19 pandemic, producing digital drag performances for online drag shows with producers from across North America. 

X not only uses their platform to express their artistic visions but to also be an advocate and activist for non-binary visibility and queer exploration through drag. X focuses on sharing their story in hopes to inspire confidence and freedom in whomever may be watching. 

Hey, Cis! is a beyond binary conversation in being a better human.

We are about current affairs and gender-based issues affecting trans and non-binary youth, students and adults within our Maritime community.

We take on difficult topics; (and this week it is a difficult topic), breaking us out of the binary, smashing stigma and fostering greater connection between our cisgender community and trans, gender creative and non-binary community. 

Thanks for your support:

Hey, Cis! is a volunteer podcast and we'd love your support in producing sustainably high-calibre content. Consider supporting with a ko-fi - it's easy and every sip counts.

Show Notes & Credits

You can find X’s work on Instagram and twitter under @callthemx, and on Facebook under @callmex. 

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

Artist: Craymo

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

Produced and edited in-house.

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

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm