This episode includes the second part of my interview with Fae Johnstone recorded in December of last year. She is a prominent advocate for queer and trans rights and a recurring voice in Canadian news on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues. 

To begin, we talked about the importance of having conversations with people around us and how it can help them be more respectful toward trans people. Then, we share some of the challenges faced by trans activist in the current climate of transphobia. Then, we focus on small actions that can make all the difference in creating more inclusive spaces. Finally, we explain why we will win the fight against transphobia and how an inclusive society is better for everyone.

You can learn mode about Fae on her Instragram account (https://www.instagram.com/faedingaway/) or Twitter account (https://twitter.com/faejohnstone)

In this episode, I had the privilege to interview Fae Johnstone. Fae Johnstone, MSW, is the Executive Director of Wisdom2Action, a progressive consulting firm and social enterprise, and President of the Society of Queer Momentum - a 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy nonprofit. She is a prominent advocate for queer and trans rights and a recurring voice in Canadian news on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues. Over the past ten years, she has supported hundreds of organizations across Canada to build their capacity for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. She was the Grand Marshal of the Ottawa Capital Pride Parade in 2023, and recipient of the Young 2SLGBTQIA+ Entrepreneur of the Year award from Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Chamber of Commerce, also in 2023. She’s also on a chocolate bar.

To begin, we talk about our childhood memories of playing minor hockey in small towns in New Brunswick and the challenges we faced. Afterwards, we discuss how we managed the brutal loss of privilege in society when we came out as trans women and the impacts it had on our daily lives. Finally, we share the dangers facing the public figures in the trans community in this climate of transphobia.

You can find out more about Fae by visiting the links below.

Fae Johnstone

• X: https://twitter.com/faejohnstone
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/faedingaway/

Wisdom2Action

• X: https://twitter.com/wisdom2action
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/wisdom2action/
• Website: https://www.wisdom2action.org/

Society of Queer Momentum

• X: https://twitter.com/Queermomentum
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/queer.momentum/
• Website: https://www.momentumcanada.net/

In this episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Matty Leblanc, a transgender woman from Rogersville. She's a master stylist and recently appeared in the Acadian queer film "Y'a une étoile".

First, Matty shares the initial findings of her ongoing social experiment she’s conducting on the Grindr dating app and explains how her dating life changed completely since she updated her profile pictures. Then, we talked about the unique challenges faced by trans woman and what where looking for in our conversations on dating apps to have a fun and safe experience. Finally, we share tips & tricks on how to identify red flags and stay safe while dating.

You can find out more about Matty on her Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/matty1028), and you can contact her via the same account to book an appointment for her hair styling services or for her costume design services.

In this episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Matty Leblanc, a transgender woman from Rogersville. She's a master stylist and recently appeared in the Acadian queer film "Y'a une étoile".

To begin, we talk about the complex relationship we have with the representation of ourselves that was visible before we came out, and why each transgender person has a varying level of comfort discussing their past history. Then, Matty shares her journey to discovering her gender identity and the role her mother played in helping her at a young age.

You can find out more about Matty on her Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/matty1028), and you can contact her via the same account to book an appointment for her hair styling services at M & Co Hair Studio in Moncton, or for her costume design services.

In this episode, I talk to Pascale Joëlle Fortin Daigle from Hello Gender. They aim to demystify the concepts of gender identity and sexual orientation by offering conferences, workshops or coaching to organizations or anyone wanting to know more.

We start with a historical overview of when transgender people became visible. Then we discuss the evolution of gender expression, trans healthcare and the battle for our existence. Finally, we look to the future to imagine how the inclusion of trans people in society will evolve.

You can find out more about Pascale Joëlle or Hello Gender at https://www.hellogender.ca/ or via their Facebook (http://facebook.com/hellogender) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pjay.hellogender) accounts

In this episode, I talk to Zivi Richard, who identifies as trans and queer. They have a private practice where they offer therapy services to queer people to help them on their journey. They have also been involved in a number of community organizations over the years, as well as fighting for the rights of trans people.To begin, we discuss the impact of the violence and harassment we experienced on our personal development during childhood and adolescence. Then, we explain why leaving New Brunswick in early adulthood was a matter of survival. Finally, we talk about the factors that motivated us to return home to New Brunswick after a 10-year absence.You can find out more about Zivi private practice by visiting their website (https://www.zivirichard.com/) and contact them via their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/zivirichard124) or Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/thetallestzivi)

In this episode, I talk to Alex Brownstein. They are currently studying education at the Université de Moncton and are actively involved in defending 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, as well as volunteering for GRIS Acadie and providing training.

To begin, we'll discuss the reality of queer people in rural areas. Then, we'll share our experiences of coming out in terms of our gender identity and sexual orientation, while explaining the additional challenges involved in exploring and affirming one's gender identity.

You can reach Alex Brownstein through their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550953405620&mibextid=LQQJ4d) or their Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/alex_speaker_conferencierx).

In this episode, I have the opportunity to interview Corey Chiasson, a trans woman and active advocate for the trans community for 19 years. First, Corey gives us a first hand account of what happened during the counter-protest of September 20th in Moncton and what it is telling us about the anti-trans movement. Secondly, we talk about the different changes made to Policy 713 by the New Brunswick government last spring and how we can reinforce the policy. Finally, we explore how we can end the current wave of transphobia and make society better for everyone.

In this episode, I talk to Pascale Joëlle Fortin Daigle from Hello Gender. They aim to demystify the concepts of gender identity and sexual orientation by offering conferences, workshops or coaching to organizations or anyone wanting to know more.

To begin, we discuss the current climate of transphobia, the importance of support from those around us and our allies, and deconstruct some of their arguments. Then we explain what non-binary means by using the color spectrum, talk about the notion of denial that affects every trans person and why it's vital to do everything we can to avoid a deterioration in the mental health of trans people when exploring their gender identity and coming out.

You can find out more about Pascale Joëlle or Hello Gender at https://www.hellogender.ca/ or via their Facebook (http://facebook.com/hellogender) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pjay.hellogender) accounts