Speaking is a two-way street: a balance between listening and sharing.
I’ve been so grateful to explore vulnerable storytelling for over a decade.
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Background: shot by me, Nova Scotia
I started sharing when I was 15.
At 13 years old, I came out as a lesbian in a conservative, religious, and homophobic immigrant household.
Two years later, I noticed the need for representation, community, and support. So I went to the internet and started sharing my story.
Vulnerable storytelling has been a pillar of my life, and I am so grateful and privileged to do the work I can today on a professional level.
It’s about everyone involved. Reading the room, making adjustments to best engage. Even before stepping onto the stage, I’m asking myself what would make the audience feel seen.
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Get REAL Movement
In 2021, Cal started speaking professionally with the Canadian non-profit, Get REAL. They have lead 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusivity and Trans 101 workshops for students, caregivers, faculty, and corporations across Canada.
Get REAL as an organization has spoken to over 1.5 million students country wide.
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UrBasics
As a brand ambassador and contract Media Producer on the urBasics team, Cal has continued their journey speaking about their trans journey to help educate and create representation.
urBasics was created by a Toronto trans woman and her mom, an ally of the trans community, to respond to the need for a Canadian store with gear for gender expression and affirmation.
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Panels
Cal has spoken on multiple panels including the UpHouse’s Pride in Practice, Forest Film Festival for the film Framing Agnes, and Fora’s 2024 Forum panel True To You.
Cal in the Press
Cal’s experience with speaking expands across multiple mediums: interviews, podcasts, facilitating workshops, videos, keynotes and more. To see more of Cal’s experience speaking, check them out in the press.
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Background: shot by me, Bracebridge