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Beyond Performative: Unpacking Toxic Allyship in Marginalized Communities

Beyond Performative: Unpacking Toxic Allyship in Marginalized Communities

DATE: Thursday, February 20th, 2024
TIME: 6:30pm – 7:00pm
LOCATION: 401 Riverside Dr. W, Windsor, ON

COST:

Current AWE Members: Free admission to Art Windsor-Essex
Non-Members: $20
FREE Admission for Treaty Card Indian Status and Métis Card Holders.

Accessibility: Accessibility and accommodation requests must be made at least two weeks in advance of the event. Please contact shinch@artwindsoressex.ca for questions.

Accessibility Inquiries

Allyship should be about solidarity, not optics.

Too often, performative gestures replace meaningful action, leaving marginalized communities unsupported and unheard. This conversation will explore the harm caused by toxic allyship, how it manifests across different communities, and what real, accountable allyship looks like. Together, we’ll discuss ways to move beyond surface-level support and into genuine, long-term relationship-building. We encourage engagement and respectful, curious questions about the topic of this conversation.

This community conversation is organized in collaboration with 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations.

2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations is an Ontario-wide organization dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of 2-Spirit, Indigiqueer, and LGBTQ+ First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. Originally established as an HIV/AIDS service organization, it has since expanded its services to include extensive outreach, harm reduction initiatives, and a dedicated crisis team. The organization offers culturally grounded programs, advocacy, and community care, providing vital services in mental health, harm reduction, housing support, and cultural reclamation. Committed to fostering safe and inclusive spaces, 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations empowers individuals through education, leadership, and community connections across the province.

www.2spirits.org

Photography and videography will be present throughout the event. By entering this event site you agree to be filmed or photographed which may be used for marketing or promotional purposes.

Photo by Justin Elliott @jel_media.

Shane Lyon, Speaker

Shane Lyon is a 2-Spirit Mi’kmaw/Settler bead artist originally from Toronto, now residing in Windsor. Passionate about addiction and mental health advocacy, Shane serves as the Indigenous Mental Health Coordinator at 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations.

Kat Pasquach, Speaker

Kat Pasquach (Cree, Moose Cree First Nation) is the founder of Culture Shock Jewelry. Her work blends contemporary fashion with traditional First Nations artistry. Through her work, she creates unique handmade items sharing Indigenous culture across Turtle Island. Kat is the Aboriginal Outreach and Retention Coordinator at Turtle Island – Aboriginal Education Centre, University of Windsor.

Anold Mulaisho, Speaker

Anold Mulaisho is the Managing Director of the Queer & Trans Migrant Advocacy Alliance of Windsor-Essex (QTMAAWE), advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Canada. Originally from Zambia, he was forced to flee due to persecution and became a prominent voice for queer refugees, working with organizations like Amnesty International and UNHCR. Now based in Windsor, Ontario, Anold continues his activism, striving to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQI+ newcomers.

Dan MacDonald, Moderator

Dan MacDonald is SO “out”, he literally broadcasts it over the airwaves on AM 800 CKLW – the number 1 radio station in Windsor Essex – on a daily basis as host of The Dan MacDonald Show! Never one to shy away from topics of queerness, Dan believes that “visibility” IS activism and is a PROUD queer voice in mainstream media and the community. Dan has written for various publications in Windsor Detroit, has been on the airwaves for 24 years, has performed in theatre productions and open mic’s, founded and hosted a Queer Poetry event – “Slam-a-phobia” – and is a Windsor Pridefest Ambassador.