Queer Love: A Community Conversation

Moderator

Josiah Sinanan is a journalist with CBC who contributes to southwestern Ontario and nationwide stories on radio, web and television. Originally from a mixed-race family in Calgary, Josiah now lives and works in Windsor, where you can find him every week on the 6pm news with his Friday segment, “Week’s End with Josiah.” Josiah is also a former podcast host and musician and his greatest passion is other people and their stories.

Ostoro Petahtegoose is a biracial Nishinaabe of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek with European descent, born and raised in the traditional territories of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, comprised of the Anishinaabe, the Odawa, and the Potawatomie, also known as one of it’s many place names in one language, Waawiiye’adinong (the place where the river bends – Windsor, Ontario.)

Ostoro is a queer, transgender, nonbinary writer, Goldsmith and multi-media artist who goes by “they/them” pronouns. Ostoro completed their English and Creative Writing and Visual Arts BA in 2022 and was the Project Coordinator of the New Voices Artist Residency at the Arts Council Windsor & Region. They were the BIPOC Artist in Residence at Artcite in August of 2020 and in June 2021 Ostoro was awarded a grant through the Arts Culture and Heritage Fund to work on a research project on the Indigenous history of Windsor/Essex county to use in a book of short ghost stories. In Ostoro’s personal and professional life they continue to reach for meaningful ways to connect back to their Indigenous community through the work of building relations while learning their cultural language Nishnaabemwin, all while being obsessed with themes of hauntings, ghosts and land.

Photo credit: Shayenna Nolan

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.

Proudly repping the “G” in 2SLDBTQIA+ – Dan is excited to talk “Queer Love”!

Venom Vonsnaps is a Nova Scotian born performer birthed from the black rocks of Peggy’s Cove. Her high energy and campy performances usually consist of a bit of comedy and some attempt at dancing. Community, Kindness and humor are the staples in my drag. I believe laughter inspires community when used in the right way and is one of the greatest tools to connect and engage your community.

Despite these obstacles, Anold became a prominent voice for queer refugees, using his platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals seeking asylum. He worked with organizations like amnesty international, Access Chapter 2 and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to legally pursue asylum status and advocate for the rights of queer refugees.

Anold is a multifaceted individual who has worked as an activist, model, writer, and social media personality. He has been recognized for his tireless efforts to support and empower LGBTQI+ individuals, particularly those from Africa. His story has garnered significant media attention, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by queer Africans in intolerant societies.

Currently, Anold resides in Windsor, Ontario, where he continues to work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQI+ migrants and refugees through his leadership at QTMAAWEC.