Closed captioning is available in both English and French.
Indigenous Opening and Welcome
Jessy Dame (CBRC), Michael Kwag (CBRC), Lane Bonertz (CBRC), Marie Geoffroy (CBRC), Elder Sheila Nyman, Elder Wayne Seward, Adanchilla Pauls-Lepine, Cailyn Fraser-Harris, Nenookassi
CBRC’s path toward Truth and Reconciliation has included a series of commitments and actions, starting in 2016 with an intentional approach to creating space at the Summit for Two-Spirit and Indigenous queer and trans people. The organization continues its journey at the 2024 Summit as we kicked off the conference with a two-day Two-Spirit Symposium (November 18-19) to prioritize and give back the space to Two-Spirit, queer, and trans Indigenous community members. As we move forward into this year’s Summit, we believe it is essential to follow Indigenous protocols on the lands of which we will be learning and ensure that we open in a respectful way.
Keynote Plenary - Vigilance and vision: The show WILL go on!
Jaylene Tyme
Indigenous Two- Spirit trans drag artist Jaylene Tyme is a well-known drag performer and community leader who speaks out against discrimination and advocates for 2S/LGBTQIA+ rights. In this keynote, she will share stories on the journey of her self-discovery, and the sacred role of personal freedom through expression and artistry. Her visibility and activism is influential in challenging harmful narratives and promoting understanding on broader issues of transphobia and racism in the drag community. She will illuminate the intersection of Indigenous identity and drag culture, positioning visibility in drag as resistance to the rise in anti-trans and anti-2S/ LGBTQIA+ hate and legislation. This presentation aims to foster understanding of the psychological and emotional impacts of facing discrimination, and how it has shaped Jaylene’s resilience and commitment to both Two-Spirit empowerment and the drag community. For additional reference on the Canadian context, Jaylene welcomes two drag artists to share their experiences of discrimination and repression in their communities: Ella Lamoreaux, a cast member of Call Me Mother Season 1 from Kelowna, BC, and Chelazon Leroux, a cast member of Canada’s Drag Race Season 3 from Toronto, ON.
