An Inside Look at Sensitivity in Queer Art

11/08/23 • 29 min

"You read the book, you have a visceral reaction to things, you take note of it, and you bring it to the author..."

In anticipation of Shelley Thompson's novel Roar hitting shelves, Emma and Cyn take the opportunity to learn more about the process behind the publication of this fiercely anticipated novel. This episode, we're taking a peek into the world of sensitivity reading, and the sorts of insights this process gives to authors looking to properly represent marginalized communities in their works of fiction.

Emma and Cyn are joined by Ronnie Ali, a Registered Psychotherapist, Diversity and Wellness Consultant in the arts and entertainment production, a Trauma-Informed Practice Specialist with Challenge Accepted, and Clinical Supervisor at the Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy. Due to these exceptional qualifications and her insightful nature, Ronnie was chosen to be a sensitivity reader for Roar, and worked closely with Shelley Thompson to deliver a narrative that felt respectful, gripping, and authentic to the trans experience.

Outside of her work as a sensitivity reader, Ronnie focuses on ending cycles of violence by addressing the roots of oppression and discrimination through research, psychoeducation, social programming, mindfulness training, and consultation services. The majority of the clients at her practice are trans and gender non-conforming. Ronnie identifies as a trans woman of colour and an immigrant settler in Turtle Island.

Order your copy of Shelley Thompson's Roar
Follow this link to order from the publisher: https://nimbus.ca/store/roar.html

TD Connected Community Moment
Here are a couple of book recommendations from our guest, Ronnie. Both are written by trans BIPOC femmes. Check them out:

From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea by Kai Cheng Thom
https://arsenalpulp.com/News/2020/LISTEN-Julie-Andrews-reads-from-From-the-Stars-in-the-Sky-to-the-Fish-in-the-Sea-by-Kai-Cheng-Thom-for-Julie-s-Library
Zom-Fam by Kama La Mackerel
https://metonymypress.com/shop/books/zom-fam-la-mackerel/

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Creators & Guests

SGF Inclusion - Producer

Connor Sampson - Producer

Cyn Sweeney - Host

Emma Stanley - Host

Ronnie Ali - Guest

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.
For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/
The first 6 episodes of Trans Canada Stories were made possible with support from community partner TD Bank Group.

"You read the book, you have a visceral reaction to things, you take note of it, and you bring it to the author..."

Order your copy of Shelley Thompson's Roar
Follow this link to order from the publisher: https://nimbus.ca/store/roar.html

TD Connected Community Moment
Here are a couple of book recommendations from our guest, Ronnie. Both are written by trans BIPOC femmes. Check them out:

From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea by Kai Cheng Thom
https://arsenalpulp.com/News/2020/LISTEN-Julie-Andrews-reads-from-From-the-Stars-in-the-Sky-to-the-Fish-in-the-Sea-by-Kai-Cheng-Thom-for-Julie-s-Library
Zom-Fam by Kama La Mackerel
https://metonymypress.com/shop/books/zom-fam-la-mackerel/

Get Social:
Creators & Guests

SGF Inclusion - Producer

Connor Sampson - Producer

Cyn Sweeney - Host

Emma Stanley - Host

Ronnie Ali - Guest

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.
For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/
The first 6 episodes of Trans Canada Stories were made possible with support from community partner TD Bank Group.

Previous Episode

Inside the Fruit Machine and Canada’s LGBT Purge

"It's the work of all of us to make sure people are informed."

During the Cold War, Canadians became targets of a widespread, systemic effort to identify and expel all any queer people working in the military or public service. This included today's guest, Martine Roy.

Martine was a young woman from Montréal who, looking for a purpose-driven career, joined the Armed Forces. Her world was shattered when one day, she was arrested out of the blue, and subjected to rounds of humiliating interrogation on the subject of her intimate life and sexuality. Eventually, she was dishonourably discharged for being in a relationship with another woman.

This so-called "homosexual witch hunt" lasted for over three decades, and the stories of those persecuted during this time are shared in Sarah Fodey's 2018 documentary, The Fruit Machine.

In this episode, we hear from Martine what it was like to live through this traumatizing experience, but also how she's found new purpose in her life and what steps have been taken to secure justice for the hundreds of people affected by the Purge.

Watch The Fruit Machine (2018) on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dLEn0h4hJI

TD Connected Community Moment
So, what did you think about The Fruit Machine? Did you know about Canada's LGBT Purge? Send us a message on our SpeakPipe, and you may be featured in our next episode! To leave us a message on SpeakPipe, follow this link: https://www.speakpipe.com/TransCanadaStories

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

Get Social:
Creators & Guests

SGF Inclusion - Producer
Connor Sampson - Producer
Cyn Sweeney - Host
Emma Stanley - Host
Martine Roy - Guest
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.

Next Episode

Sophie Labelle - Trans Artist, Activist, and Author

Few Webcomics have been as prolific and long-running as Assigned Male, the brainchild of trans Québécois cartoonist Sophie Labelle. First releasing in October of 2014, Assigned Male portrays life through the eyes of a trans middle schooler named Stephie who alternately makes light of, and chafes under the realities of growing up a transgender child in a cisgender world. The webcomic series is still ongoing.

In 2017, Labelle first squared off against the rising tide of anti-trans and fringe-right haters, when a book reading for her new comic, Dating Tips for Trans and Queer Weirdos, was cancelled under threats of violence. During this time, Labelle received death threats and was doxxed, which would ultimately lead to her resettling with her partner in Finland, where she lives today. In the wake of these events, however, Labelle's audience expanded rapidly across Canada and the world. Today, she has more readers and supporters than ever before.

To see Sophie's work, or to purchase one of her books, visit her website at https://www.serioustransvibes.com/

TD Connected Community Moment
For a chance to win a signed copy of one of Sophie Labelle's books, follow this link and fill out the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiXNtHEfun9GeOwTQs_vnf7ahZurKtjfkIu9VTfUxE0pIbkA/viewform?usp=sf_link
Contest runs until January 6.

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

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