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Welcome to Field Notes, a new series from the Reconciliation & Inclusion team, offering curated resources to support deeper learning and inclusive practices across Seneca. Each issue will feature a bespoke collection of resources — such as books, TV shows and events — that the team has personally engaged with, reflected on and found meaningful in our own learning.
June 1st marks the beginning of Pride Month, a time to celebrate the history, resilience and achievements of the 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, plus)) community. We are excited to share this extensive list of resources to commemorate the stories and reflect on the continued fight for equality from the members of this community.
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The Skin and Its Girl, by Sarah Cypher A young, queer Palestinian American woman pieces together her great-aunt’s secrets in this enchanting, memorable debut, confronting questions of sexual identity, exile and lineage.
Why: The novel is an American Library Association Stonewall Honor Book and winner of the 2024 Barbara Gittings Literature Award.
Missing from the Village: The Story of Serial Killer Bruce McArthur, the Search for Justice, and the System that Failed Toronto's Queer Community, by Justin Ling The story of the disappearance of eight men – the victims of serial killer Bruce McArthur, from Toronto’s queer community.
Why: It reveals how systemic racism, homophobia, transphobia and the structures of policing fail queer communities.
The Sleeping Car Porter, by Suzette Mayr A historical fiction novel that takes place in the 1920s in Canada. It follows a Baxter, a queer Black railway porter, saving money to fund his dream of getting educated as a dentist.
Why: Written by an award-winning queer Black, English professor from University of Calgary.
Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More, by Janet Mock Janet Mock relays her experiences of growing up young, multiracial, poor and trans in the United States, offering readers accessible language while imparting vital insights about the unique challenges and vulnerabilities of a marginalized and misunderstood population.
Why: It’s a New York Times bestseller.
Lilac Time at the Rodeo: Stories of Identity, AIDS and Fashion, by Mark O’Connell This non-fiction book speaks to the intersection of fashion, identity and the AIDS epidemic and the queer fashion and arts practitioners we lost.
Why: It’s written by a professor of Fashion Studies at Seneca! #SenecaProud
Great Circle, by Maggie Shipstead This novel intertwines the lives of Marian Graves, a pioneering aviator attempting a daring flight over the poles in the mid-20th century, and Hadley Baxter, a modern-day actress portraying Marian in a biopic.
Why: The characters explore identity in this wonderful historical fiction novel that jumps back and forth between the time periods.
Voyage of the Damned, by Frances White Set in the empire of Concordia, this fantasy murder mystery follows Ganymedes Piscero, an heir without magical powers, as he navigates political intrigue and uncovers secrets aboard a magical ship.
Why: A great story of class, gender and sexual identity mixed into a page-turner whodunit.
All of Us Strangers A film that follows Adam, a lonely writer, and his romance with his mysterious neighbour. The relationship evolves and eventually collides with his childhood memories.
Why: It explores the queer experience through themes of grief, love and identity.
Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara A documentary following the queer indie rock band, Tegan and Sara, and the catfishing scheme that targeted their fans
Why: A great watch to understand the closeness of the LGBTQ+ community and its vulnerability that is exploited online.
Fellow Travelers A miniseries about the decades-long romance between two men who first meet during the height of McCarthyism in the 1950s through to the AIDs crisis of the 1980s.
Why: It illustrates the impact that politics have on queer people, specifically the Lavender Scare, a result of McCarthyism that targeted queer individuals for dismissal from the federal workforce.
Hurt/Comfort Tattoos 1159 Dundas St. E, Toronto
Hurt/Comfort Tattoos opened in 2020. Its co-owners have a mission: to ensure the space is safe and free from judgment and intimidation.
Why: This tattoo shop aims to make a safe space that’s inclusive, not overcrowded and where you can request silent appointments if you don’t feel like talking. Getting a tattoo can be kind of an intimidating process — they try to make it more comfortable.
Glad Day Bookshop 499 Church St., Toronto
Serving the LGBTQ community since 1970, this store offer the widest possible selection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, Two-Spirit and queer literature.
Why: Glad Day Bookshop is the oldest queer bookstore in the world.
Lox + Schmear 1030 St. Clair Ave. W., Toronto
Making and serving the best smoked salmon and Montreal style bagels in the city and (they make it a point) to welcome everyone through the door.
Why: They do a Pride brunch — they’ve had drag performers, DJs and sold Pride-themed cookies.
2-Sprit Powwow Downsview Park, Toronto Saturday, June 7
Celebrate with Two-Spirit people of First Nations in this inclusive event featuring dance, music and food.
Why: It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in rich cultures and explore an Indigenous marketplace in a safe space.
Drag Bingo at the Art Gallery of Ontario 317 Dundas St., W., Toronto Friday, June 14
Celebrate Pride Month with an evening of drag bingo co-hosted by incredible Toronto queens Carlotta Carlisle and Bella Bimbo. The event will feature four rounds of bingo, drag performances, fantastic prizes and more.
Why: It’s free to attend with admission to the AGO and it sounds like a lot of fun!
Pride Parade Church-Wellesley Village, Toronto Sunday, June 29
The Pride Parade is a vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. The parade goes through downtown and features lots of colourful floats, bold costumes and messages of inclusion. Thousands of people line the streets to take it all in and celebrate Toronto's diverse queer community.
Why: Seneca’s very own Elder Blu Waters from the First Peoples@Seneca team will be leading the parade. Come out and give them a wave as they pass by!
TSA Tours | Church & Wellesley Village 2 Alexander St., Toronto June 1, 7, 12 and 15
Join the Toronto Society of Architects on a walk to explore the evolution of 2SLGBTQ+ spaces in the city through the buildings, landscapes and art of the Church and Wellesley Village. They will share stories about the buildings that have been transformed through symbolism and purpose-built spaces.
Why: It’s a chance to learn about the history of Toronto’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
While you're here, check out the Pride Month guide published by Seneca Libraries for more resources.
The Reconciliation & Inclusion team knows the best learning happens in conversation. Let us know if you explore any of the resources above, or if there’s something you’d recommend we include in future editions. Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments, or email us at ri@senecapolytechnic.ca.
Seneca is celebrating Pride Month. Check out the MySeneca space to learn more about what’s happening.
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