Sophie Labelle - Trans Artist, Activist, and Author
12/06/23 • 32 min
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/
Get Social:
Creators & Guests
- SGF Inclusion - Producer
- Connor Sampson - Producer
- Cyn Sweeney - Host
- Emma Stanley - Host
- Sophie Labelle - 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.
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/
Get Social:
Creators & Guests
- SGF Inclusion - Producer
- Connor Sampson - Producer
- Cyn Sweeney - Host
- Emma Stanley - Host
- Sophie Labelle - 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.
Previous Episode
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:
- 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.
Next Episode
Equitable Horizons: Conversations on Workplace Inclusion
Join us for an exciting journey in Episode 5 of Trans Canada Stories, titled 'Equitable Horizons: Conversations on Workplace Inclusion'! In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome B Adair (he/they), a fresh addition to the SGF Inclusion team. B shares their inspiring journey from navigating the challenging anti-trans climate in Alberta to embracing new horizons on the East Coast of Canada.
Get ready for an engaging discussion as we delve into topics ranging from beachcombing adventures to the vital concept of privilege, and why equity work is beneficial for everyone. Plus, we tackle burning questions about inclusive forms and the imperative to redefine professionalism in the workplace.
But wait, there's more! We absolutely adore hearing from our listeners, and during our TD Connected Community Moment, we extend an invitation for you to send in your questions. Your queries might just be featured in our next episode of Trans Canada Stories!
Let's embark on this enlightening journey together! 🎙️✨
TD Connected Community Moment
Don't miss out—share your questions with us right here: https://forms.gle/e4mUyfaQEwWRftC77
We'll include answers in an upcoming episode!
For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/
Get Social:
Creators & Guests
- SGF Inclusion - Producer
- Cyn Sweeney - Host
- Emma Stanley - Host
- 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/
- Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
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