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Come As You Are's blog is the place where we offer our uncensored opinion on all things related to sex toys, sex and the media, sexual science and medicine, and the goings on of our Toronto sex shop and website.
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- Assault Prevention Workshop for Trans Women (Montreal)
March 31, 2010
Sent to us from the folks at the Montreal Assault Prevention Centre who are working in collaboration with ASTTeQ (Trans Health Action of Quebec)Assault Prevention Workshop for Transsexual and Transgender Women
Introductory session: April 6, 2010, 7:30-9pm, 2075 Plessis
2 full day classes: April 17 & 24 1:00pm-8:30pm, LOCATION TBA
**REGISTRATION** To register in advance, or for more information, contact Nora at ASTTeQ – astteq@yahoo.ca or 514-847-0067 ext. 207
Transsexual and transgender women, including sex workers, low-income, migrant and racialized trans women, face systemic barriers in accessing assault prevention services. In order to address systemic exclusion, the Montreal Assault Prevention Centre in collaboration with ASTTeQ is offering an ACTION self-defence workshop for free to trans women. This 15 hour ACTION workshop includes verbal and physical self-defence strategies with the goal of preventing violence.
**A meal and light snacks will be served during the full day classes. Metro tickets are available. Please let us know if you need childcare or have any other needs related to access – 514-847-0067 ext. 207**
Montreal Assault Prevention Centre
(514) 284-1212
diversite@cpamapc.org
ASTT(e)Q : Action Santé Travesti(e)s et Transsexuel(le)s du Québec
Un projet de Cactus Montréal
514-847-0067, poste 207
astteq@yahoo.ca
http://www.cactusmontreal.org/fr/astteq.html
- Writer Looking for Multiple Orgasmers
January 16, 2010
A local author we know and love asked us to pass this along:Writer, Claudia Dey, is looking for first hand accounts from multi-orgasmic men and from women with multi-orgasmic male partners for her book, 'How To Be A Bush Pilot: A Field Guide to the Secrets of Female Pleasure.' All contributions will be confidential. Please email: madamebalcony@gmail.com before January 21.
- Call-Out for Trans Conference in Peterborough, Ontario
January 12, 2010
Call-Out for Trans Conference***
Bodies of Dissent: Transform
March 12-14th, Peterborough, ON
***
Transmission, the organizers of last year’s Bodies of Dissent: TransAccess conference, invite trans and gender variant communities, individuals and allies to submit proposals for workshops and presentations of various forms for the upcoming Trans conference.
Bodies of Dissent: TransForm will be focused on developing strategies and networks to change individuals, communities, organizations and systems. We are issuing a call to action to unite to build communities of empowerment and change.
Please send a proposal outlining the nature of your workshop, presentation or creative project specifying the topic or focus, as well as any materials and/or accommodations required. Workshops, presentation, films and creative projects will be happening during March 12th and 13th, accompanied by performances in the evenings. Interested performers are also encouraged to contact us.
E-mail bodiesofdissent@gmail.com with Proposals, Ideas, Questions
** Proposals are due Monday, January 18th **
--
Transmission Peterborough is dedicated to creating and maintaining a positive Trans presence in the Peterborough community by creating safe and accessible space for Trans and gender-variant people through education and awareness initiatives. With increased visibility, we hope to create a more Trans-friendly environment so that Trans and gender-variant people can have a dignified experience.
- Survey on Invisible Chronic Illness - Lesbian and bisexual women, and Trans people
January 6, 2010
We wanted to pass along this call for participants. I wasn't aware of the acronym "ICI" for invisible chronic illnesses, but the experience of being disabled or living with a chronic illness or disability that isn't immediately apparent to others is one that is so far in the closet, in terms of most people's understanding of it, that any well thought out research would surely be a help in generating public discussion and awareness. I understand the need for research to focus, but also have to say it's a bit of a shame that they aren't open to hearing from people of all genders, it's not as if there's a lot of great qualitative research on invisible chronic illness at all. But getting this post reminded me of a fabulous post I read on FWD/Forward about Invisible Disability Bingo.
Here's the call for participants, information about the researcher is at the bottom:
The purpose of this survey is to gather information regarding the challenges faced by lesbian, bisexual and queer women, and transgendered and transsexual people who live with invisible chronic illnesses.
You do not have to have a formal medical diagnosis to fill out this survey. However, you must have an invisible chronic physical condition. Invisible chronic illnesses (ICIs) share a number of characteristics regardless of diagnosis. Some of these characteristics are: non-observable symptoms (i.e. pain, fatigue, cognitive difficulty), some symptoms are immeasurable, sometimes people appear well, and the illness has periods of exacerbation and remission. There are many ICIs. A few examples are: multiple sclerosis, arthritis, HIV, fibromyalgia, lupus, and irritable bowel syndrome.
If you are not sure whether you are living with an ICI we still want to hear from you. Please fill out the survey. There will be room at the end for comments and you can let us know there why you are not sure.
You also must reside in Canada since the results of the survey will be used to advocate for change within the Canadian medical system and for community-based services. It does not matter whether you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, refugee claimant, temporary worker, or undocumented. As well, you must be at least 18 years old.
This survey is anonymous. You are not requested to provide your name to participate. Any identifying information you provide will be altered to ensure confidentiality. Your privacy will be protected.
The results of this survey will be presented at the Rainbow Health Ontario 2010 Conference to raise awareness regarding ICIs and to start a conversation that will lead to change regarding the services needed for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women and trans people living with ICIs. To find out more about Rainbow Health Ontario go to: http://www.
Additionally, results from this survey may be used for publication to raise awareness and/or advocate for change.
The survey takes between 20 and 30 minutes to fill out. Here is the link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/
The survey will be online until February 21, 2010.
About the researcher
The researcher is Silvana Bazet. This survey was designed by Silvana with the input of a Community Advisory Committee. Silvana is a lesbian and lives with an undiagnosed ICI. She is also a psychotherapist in private practice and Clinical Member of the Ontario Society of Psychotherapists. To find out more about Silvana go to: http://torontopsychotherapy.
Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Silvana at: queericisurvey@gmail.com
The survey is also available in Word to be printed and distributed to those who may not have access to a computer. Please contact Silvana to obtain a copy.
- Sexuality, Disability, and Attendant Services Survey
January 3, 2010
The Sexuality and Access Project is a Trillium funded community research project that is looking into the ways that folks who use attendant services and their attendants deal with negotiating sexual requests.
If you need attendant services you probably need your attendant to assist with some aspects of sexual expression (whether that’s dressing up the way you want, going out to a strip club or bar, a sex party or sex store, etc….)
But attendants receive no training and little guidance on what is and isn’t part of their job, and if you use attendant services you’ve probably never had any training or guidance on how to talk with an attendant about sex.
This project is an initial effort at addressing these lacks and developing training and resources for both attendants and people who use attendant services.
If you use attendant services, they want to hear from you. You can fill out a survey here (you’ll have to cut and paste the URL, sometimes the link doesn’t work):
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6TPRSRR
If you need assistance in filling out a survey, or would be able to participate in a phone survey, please contact the project coordinator, Fran Odette, at the information below.
There is also a survey for attendants. If you know of attendants who you think would be interested in completing the survey, they will have to cut and paste that survey address below and paste into their server. It should take them directly to the attendant survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/V7TSFYD
To learn more about the project or to receive a version of the online survey in alternate format, contact
Fran Odette, Project Coordinator at 416-968-3422 Ext. 30 or at f.odette@gmail.com
This project is done in partnership with the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto, Niagara Centre for Independent Living, and Independent Centre and Network
- Help Save the Toronto Women's Bookstore
December 16, 2009
We just got this email from our friends at the Toronto Women's Bookstore.Dear TWB community,
The Toronto Women's Bookstore is in crisis and we need your help!
Independent businesses and bookstores have been closing their doors this
year, and after 36 years it is possible that we will have to do the same if
we are not able to raise enough money to survive. TWB is one of the only
remaining non-profit feminist bookstores in North America, but despite all
of the events, courses, workshops, community resources and additional
services we offer, the fact that we are a store means that we do not receive
any outside funding and rely entirely on sales and the support of our
customers to stay in business.
Over the past few years, our sales have not been enough to sustain us and
this is why we are coming to you, our community, for help. If every one of
you donated $10 we would raise enough to keep going for 3 months, $20 each
would keep us in business for 6 months, and $30 each would be enough for us
to keep our doors open, hopefully for good. All donations will go directly
towards covering the bookstore's costs, and are a part of a larger plan of
action and structural change to make the business sustainable in the current
economy.
In the past, when feminist bookstores were closing down all across North
America, the support of the community is what kept TWB alive. You are the
reason that we are still here today, and we believe that with your help we
can once again work together to save this organization where so many of us
as readers, writers, feminists, artists, and activists have found a home.
You can make donations over the phone, on our website
www.womensbookstore.com (paypal link available soon), or in person at the
store. As a non-profit store we are not eligible for charitable status and
cannot offer tax receipts, but we are hoping to be able to offer tax
receipts for donations over $100 in collaboration with a non-profit charity
who shares our mandate, and we will have that information available on our
website and in store as soon as possible.
You can also help by spreading the word to your friends and community,
contacting us if you know of any funding we might be eligible for, promoting
this fundraising drive in your paper or on your blog, website or radio show,
organizing your own save the bookstore fundraisers or just passing the hat
at your holiday parties, giving a TWB donation as a gift, and of course,
coming in and bringing all your friends to the store for some holiday
shopping!
Thank you all for your support,
The Toronto Women's Bookstore Board, Staff & Volunteers
- Synergy and Rhythm: OXFAM/ArtCorps Fundraiser
December 11, 2009
From Toronto-based, Columbia-born artist Monica Gutierrez:
THE CAUSE: In El Salvador, one out of every three women is a victim of violence. Young women between the ages of 15 and 29 years are most often targeted, typically by male relatives and teachers. Despite growing awareness about the problem of violence against women in Latin America, public policies still lack a gender perspective and police, prosecutors and other authorities continue to use discriminatory terms and practices in cases of murdered women and violence against women.
In response, ArtCorps is initiating a new partnership with Oxfam America and the Gender-based Violence Prevention Campaign in El Salvador. ArtCorps is sending Colombian-born, Toronto-based artist Monica Gutierrez to fill a volunteer position in order to empower communities in building stronger, more peaceful societies by using participatory arts as a strategy for education and engagement. Monica will also strive to perpetuate the use of participatory art as an innovative tool for empowering and educating communities among non-governmental organizations.
OXFAM/ArtCorps Fundraiser
WHEN: Sunday, December. 20th, 2009
WHERE: Teranga African Bar & Restaurant (159 Augusta Ave), 5:00PM
PWYC, suggested $10.00 donation payable at door.
Performing:
- "The Resolutionaries" Zimbabwe Marimba band led by Chaka Chikodzi with Africville Productions (http://www.africville.net/)
- Jadea Kelly (http://jadea.ca/)
- Capoeira dance performance (Open roda)
- DJ Soulquest
- December 17th Speakout - Toronto Event to End Violence Against Sex Workers
December 4, 2009
Maggie’s: The Toronto’ Sex Worker’s Action Project is hosting an event on December 17th, the 7th International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. From the flyer:Join Maggie’s Toronto this December 17th 2009 – the 7th International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers for an open mic/speakout to share our experiences as sex workers who have faced violence and demand an end to the ongoing criminalization and other forms of violence in our work.
When: Thursday December 17th
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Where: Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Avenue
Opening remarks and Aboriginal Elder teachings will precede the speakout. This will be a facilitated speakout to ensure the safety and dignity of sex workers.
This is a sex worker positive event.
ALL ARE WELCOME
http://www.maggiestoronto.com/
- Writer Looking for Strap-On Input
December 3, 2009
A Canadian playwright and author we know and love is working on a new book and asked if we would pass this along:Writer, Claudia Dey, is looking for first hand accounts from women having strap-on sex with their male partners for her book, 'How To Be A Bush Pilot: A Field Guide to the Secrets of Female Pleasure.' All contributions will be confidential. Please email: madamebalcony@gmail.com before December 11.
- Call for Proposals 32nd Annual Guelph Sexuality Conference
posted by cs on December 2, 2009
The Guelph Sexuality Conference is the longest running and largest sexual health conference in Canada. The call for next years conference is out, the theme is "Communication and Sexual Health: More than Words".
For the past three years Come As You Are has been proud to sponsor the conference and we're planning on being back again this year. If you work in sexual health check out the call and think about submitting a proposal. And don't forget to mark your calendar for June 21-23, 2010.
Guelph Sexuality Conference Request for Proposals
- Research about Disability and Online Dating
posted by cs on November 15, 2009
This call for participants came to us via the Citizens With Disabilities - Ontario listserv. I don't know anyone involved, but I do know that, as the description below suggests, this is definitely an under researched area. They are looking for people who are over 18, identify as living with a disability, and have used or are currently using online dating sites.From the email notice and the study's informed consent form:
Natasha Saltes is a recent MA graduate in Critical Disability Studies. She is currently recruiting participants for a qualitative study that she is conducting on disability and online dating. There is very little research on this particular topic - this is a unique opportunity to anonymously take part in an original study that will shed light on the experience of disability and online dating.
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact that online dating presents for people who identify themselves as living with a disability. This study aims to uncover how users with disabilities manage their identity online. This study also attempts to understand the experiences that people with disabilities have had in using online dating services and the ways in which online dating experiences may differ from offline experiences.
Take the online questionnaire
Read the informed consent form
If you have any questions or concerns about this study please send an email to disabilitydatingstudy@gmail.com
Maybe once every couple of years I get an email advertising some new "disabled dating service" or "disability friendly" dating site. Sometimes they are just plain sketchy, most of the time I'm wary, but not sure if I should be. I think about how most people are a bit wary when they hear that I, someone who is currently non-disabled, work in the area of sex and disability. Being a bit skeptical comes with the territory, but it feels weird for me as an ally. Part of the priviledge I live with is that other people put me in a gatekeeper role when it comes to access to information. Particularly non-disabled professionals who usually find it easier to deal with me than with their own attitudes toward disability, equity, etc... So on the one hand I want to just share everything that comes my way and the idea that I might not share something because I think they're just out for a fast buck seems sort of condescending.
On the other, as a sex educator and someone trying to live an ethical life, I take referrals very seriously and don't ever want someone to think I'm recommending something unless I really am recommending it. Being an ally makes this tricky, but so does the fact that there are so few resources around sex, dating, and disability, that most of us want to see everything we can get our hands on.
- Call Out for Models for a Pap Campaign for Trans Men
October 22, 2009
Forwarded from our friends at the Trans Men's Pap Campaign:Call Out for Models for a Pap Campaign for Trans Men
Many of us have been told that we don’t need Pap tests, or we avoid them because of discomfort and discrimination. In fact, we all need and have a right to Pap tests, which lower our risk of cervical cancer, a disease that can be largely prevented by getting regular Pap tests.
We want to let trans men know that we DO need Pap tests, and that there are ways to make getting them easier. We have a right to protect ourselves and each other and we deserve to get Pap tests in a way that honours and respects our needs, our identities and our sexual practices. We need your help in getting this message out there to communities of trans men and healthcare providers in Toronto and across Ontario.
Who are we?
The Trans Men’s Pap Campaign is a project of Sherbourne Health Centre, guided by a Reference Group made up of trans men and allies who work as health care providers and advocates for our communities.
The Call Out:
The Campaign is looking for models for a campaign that we are developing for trans men to raise awareness about Pap tests. The campaign will be launched in December 2009.
Photos will be used on printed materials, like posters and postcards that will be used at community events throughout the year and beyond, and will also appear on the campaign website. Campaign materials and images will also be distributed throughout the province of Ontario.
Model Requirements:
We need approximately 8 trans men to make this campaign rock by modeling for the photos we’ll use in our materials. We would also like to include some images of trans men with their partners (of any gender), so if there is someone in your life who would like to model with you please send their name and photo as well.
We’re looking for a diverse group of guys, in terms of identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, stage of transition, age, body size, dis/ability, race, and ethnicity.
Poses require that your face, or part of your face, and your body be shown. You will be fully dressed, in clothing of your choice.
Photographs will be taken in a comfortable environment with a professional photographer who will make sure you feel relaxed and have a good time.
When:
The photo shoot will take place in downtown Toronto in a wheelchair accessible location in November 2009. The photo sessions will last approximately 2 hours. A $50 honorarium will be provided. Only people selected to model for the campaign will be contacted.
Please send a headshot and/or full body shot and a paragraph (with contact info) describing your interest, and general availability no later than 5pm on Thursday November 5, 2009 to: tmen.pap@gmail.com.
Discretion and confidentiality of submitted material is assured.
- Survey for Immigrant Youth in Toronto
September 9, 2009
Reposting this for the folks at the Griffin Centre, a great organization supporting "vulnerable youth and adults with mental health challenges and/or developmental disabilities" that also does some amazing work around queer youth living with and/or labeled with disabilities. They're asking people to pass this around, so if you know anyone who would be eligible please forward.
