Unity Conference: Celebrating the Spectrum
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Unity Conference 2011 An Unforgettable Experience! 500 students, The Unity Conference is an exciting annual event that brings together trans-positive gay-straight alliances and educators from across the GTA and Ontario. Its purpose is to address issues of homophobia, transphobia and other intersecting oppressions. Through artistic expression, education, advocacy and fostering social networks, we work to build an understanding of healthy relationships and sexuality and to support the creation of safe and positive spaces in schools.
On November 16th, Unity 2011 featured workshops for students and staff ranging from Supporting the Needs of Queer Muslim Youth to Two Spirit History and Identity to Hip Hop and Homophobia with a keynote address from the People Project. The People Project, whose work is focused on encouraging critical and creative youth leaders, was an inspiring and empowering presence at the conference.
The Community Fair, a dynamic lunch-time event staged in The 519 Ballroom on the conference day, assembled a diversity of LGBTQ services, and allowed youth an opportunity to learn about organisations in our community and within the TDSB.
The feedback for the day was overwhelmingly positive, with students and staff alike reporting feeling empowered and affirmed. For many, it was the first time they had the opportunity to share a space with so many supportive spectrum youth and allies. Planning will begin soon for Unity 2012 - we look forward to seeing you next year!! Keep your eye on www.unityconference.ca and www.tdsb.on.ca/gbvp for updates. |
| OPEN CALL FOR COMMUNITY FAIR PARTICIPANTS! New! Check out the Program HERE
About the Conference: Unity Conference is a one-day gathering of young people from Toronto and the surrounding areas belonging to or interested in creating and/or joining trans-positive gay-straight alliances and other related groups. Its goal is to support the creation of safe spaces in schools for queer and trans youth and their allies through education, advocacy and community-building. Theme 2011: Celebrating the Spectrum -- As I search for my place in the world, I am boxed in by labels. My biology, orientation, identities, history and expressions vary infinitely within, between and outside conventional definitions: the SPECTRUM. For me, celebrating the spectrum is recognizing the fights we have won, the boundaries we have pushed and the struggles that are here and lay ahead. What does the spectrum mean to you? Location: the 519 Church Street Community Centre, just East of Wellesley subway station. Our program will be posted shortly. Plan to attend. Registration opens HERE on Monday, October 17, 2011 and closes Friday, November 11, 2011. Register early to get your workshop selections. Questions? Contact Javier Davila at javier.davila@tdsb.on.ca. |
