New discussion group aims to create a safe space for students and staff

A new bi-weekly drop-in discussion group is starting on Feb. 10 for trans and gender non-conforming George Brown students and staff. With Transformers, the Community Action Centre (CAC) is hoping the discussion will create a safe space for students to share their experience at George Brown and what can be done to improve inclusiveness on campus.

“The aim of the workshop is not to claim that we are experts, we’re really looking to actually hear back from students and staff about where they see good things happening and where they see things that need work,” said Eddie Jude, CAC’s women and trans support staff.

But the CAC doesn’t want to put pressure on students. Attendees can come, listen, share, or not share, partake in the various crafts, join the discussion or simply enjoy the snacks.

At each workshop, the group will be softly led in the discussions with topics such as the on-going inclusive bathroom issue as well as sexism and binarism in the George Brown curriculum.

“If you’re a non-binary person then essentially what happens is your experience is never reflected back at you (in the curriculum) for the entire time that you’re at school.,” said Jude.

The discussion groups are also a way identify more LGBTQ work to be included in George Brown courses. “Are there people in your field that you think do great work that are trans or non-binary or gender-queer, and you would love to see their writing in your programs’ curriculum or brought in to speak about it?” Jude and the CAC wants to hear about it. “Trans people exist in all programs and we want to advocate for the underrepresented.”

To include your voice in the mix, you can join the CAC drop-ins at St. James (165B) Feb. 10, Feb. 24, March 23, and April 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The drop-ins are also happening at Casa Loma (E124) on March 9 and April 6.