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Welcome to Field Notes '26, a series from the Reconciliation & Inclusion team, offering curated resources to support deeper learning and inclusive practices across Seneca Polytechnic. Each issue features 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.
📖Read 📺Watch 🏙Local Favourites 🎫Other Recommendations
Read
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid Set during the 1980s space shuttle era, the novel follows two women working in the space program as they navigate ambition, engineering and love. The story explores relationships alongside the pressures of working in male-dominated spaces.
Why: A compelling mix of romance and science that highlights women in STEM and leadership.
Martyr by Kaveh Akbar A darkly funny novel that follows an Iranian American poet as he navigates addiction, grief, loneliness and the search for meaning.
Why: One of the most talked about books of the past year for a good reason — the writing feels sharp, strange and alive. It weaves together questions of art, queerness, death and identity into a powerful read.
We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune A fantasy novel centered on queer characters navigating grief, love and survival in a world shaped by violence and resistance.
Why: It is a charming and emotionally layered story that intertwines queer identity with a strong focus on chosen family and care.
We Have Always Been Here by Samra Habib A queer Muslim memoir written by a Toronto-based journalist and photographer that tells their story, starting from a childhood in Pakistan to being a refugee to navigating identity, faith and belonging in Canada.
Why: An eye-opening story that speaks to an identity that is typically invisible in the mainstream. There is an intersection of struggle with religious identity, race and sexuality, family dynamics and how each impact the other.
Listen
Gay Girl Gone An investigative podcast follows the disappearance of a queer woman in a country where homosexuality is illegal. The series examines politics, media narratives and systemic oppression surrounding the case.
Why: It explores larger conversation about queer visibility, government oppression and a surprising commentary on saviour narratives.
🎓 Student Resource FeatureThe student resource feature highlights recommendations submitted by Seneca students who share works that have inspired their learning and perspective.
Henry Rogler (he/she) Rainbow Hangout Ambassador, Library Information Technician (Advanced)
Unarchived This Canadian documentary explores how archival institutions have long operated with biases that excluded many minority groups, including the 2SLGBTQA+ community, from having their histories documented, preserved or displayed. It highlights community archives in British Columbia and shows how local groups can build safer, more open, and inclusive spaces to remember and protect their histories.
Why: Though LGBTQ+ people have always existed across human history, the majority of archival institutions hardly sought to acknowledge and include these stories. This documentary showcases the importance of local community spirit in preserving our own memories and history for future generations.
🎓 Faculty Resource FeatureThe Faculty Resource Feature highlights recommendations submitted by Seneca faculty who share works that have inspired their teaching and perspective.
Shereen Hassanien (she/her) Program Coordinator, General Arts
You're Wrong AboutEvery week, Sarah Marshall reconsiders a person or event that’s been miscast in the public imagination, has conversations with people who are experts on the topic and challenge the public misconception.
Why: It is funny, topical, and a genuine pleasure to listen to on a diversity of topics from Pee-wee Herman to witch trials. The experts she interviews are well versed enthusiasts on the subjects they are passionate about and they provide thoughtful (and often funny) context to the topics they present.
Local Favourites
VIGYL A queer-owned candle brand creating hand-poured, soy-wax candles inspired by identity, self-expression and community. They are based in Toronto and have stockists across Ontario.
Why: VIGYL stands out for scents inspired by local places and experiences, including candles like Hanlan’s, inspired by Toronto’s iconic queer beach. Their branding and scent concepts feel thoughtful and stylish.
Other Recommendations
Pride Movie Night: But I'm a Cheerleader North York Central Library June 10, 2026 from 6:00 to 8 p.m.
Check out this screening, of 'But I'm a Cheerleader', a satirical teen comedy about Megan, a high school cheerleader who is sent to a conversion camp after her parents think she is gay. At the camp, she meets other teens and begins to question the expectations placed on her, while discovering her identity, attraction and self-acceptance.
Why: It directly challenges heteronormative expectations and how institutions attempt to regulate identity. Plus, it's hosted at the Toronto Public Library and creates a shared learning environment and encourages dialogue open to everyone!
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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