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Trans Canada Stories - Inside the Fruit Machine and Canada’s LGBT Purge

Inside the Fruit Machine and Canada’s LGBT Purge

10/25/23 • 41 min

Trans Canada Stories
"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/

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"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/

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Previous Episode

undefined - PILOT: "Don't Worry, You're Going to Be Okay."

PILOT: "Don't Worry, You're Going to Be Okay."

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/

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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

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Next Episode

undefined - An Inside Look at Sensitivity in Queer Art

An Inside Look at Sensitivity in Queer Art

"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:

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