Today, May 17^th, 2012, marks the 9^th annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.  Every year this day seeks to bring the LGBTTIQQ2S experience to the forefront of the public mind, raising awareness to the fact that there is still much progress to be made.

Although in present day Canada, it may seem that prejudice towards the LGBTTIQQ2S communities is minimal, the simple truth is that many LGBTTIQQ2S identified people face hate and discrimination every day. Not only does today seek to end hate towards LGBTTIQQ2S communities, but it seeks to celebrate the contributions which these communities bring to society.

Today, in an effort to raise awareness towards the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, students from Ontario post-secondary institutions and unions joined in solidarity at Yonge and Dundas Square in Toronto. Holding signs, handing out educational pamphlets, and marching through the intersection with a banner asking the public to unlearn homophobia and transphobia, students garnered attention from both the media and the general public. It is events such as these which are pushing the movement forward by raising awareness to the fact that hatred and prejudice towards LGBTTIQQ2Scommunities still exist and that hatred and prejudice need to end.

Please do your part on a daily basis. Appreciate the freedoms we as Canadians experience, and work to ensure that they are enforced. Take action to end homophobia and transphobia today!

To many it may be unknown, but, in this usually bleak week of February (unusually un-bleak this year), is Mental Health Awareness Day. Mental Health Awareness Day seeks to end the stigma attached to mental health, and make its widespread effect on our daily lives known. As a university student, stress is no stranger in our daily lives. Stress from school, stress from jobs, stress from relationships- they all take a toll on our mental health and it is of utmost importance that we acknowledge and take care of ourselves in this regard.

Depression, overwhelming anxiety and panic attacks affect 1 in 3 people at some point in their lives, and in university, a time of questioning, deadlines and great change, it can be assumed that the rates are even higher. What this statistic can tell us, and what is comforting to know, is that you are not alone in your battle and there are a multitude of others feeling the exact same way you do. Many people deal with mental illness on a daily basis and, whether you can see it or not, it has a great effect on the functionality of our daily lives.

Mental illness can make what to others may seem as a simple task such as leaving your home, making a presentation or getting out of bed a daunting and seemingly impossible one. As students of Ryerson University, multiple resources are available to you to aid you in your maintenance of a healthy mind and to make your university experience a more enjoyable one. The Centre for Student Development and Counseling (http://www.ryerson.ca/counselling/) is available for those who feel as if they would benefit from counseling in the long run as well as the Ryerson Medical Centre for those who may require more immediate attention (http://www.ryerson.ca/studentservices/medicalcentre/). Additionally, the Access Centre is available to students with disabilities who may require academic accommodation to make classes and assignments a less formidable occurence for those suffering from a mental illness (http://www.ryerson.ca/studentservices/accesscentre/index.html).

For centuries, mental illness has been seen as a sign of weakness and instability, and it is time to put a halt to this misconception. What we are realizing now more than ever is that mental illness affects us all in some way and should not hold a negative stigma in our society. If you haven’t suffered from mental illness, chances are, you know someone who has, so spread the word! Remember, mental illness should not be stigmatized and maintaining your mental health is of paramount importance, not just for the students of Ryerson University, but for the entire population!

Dear Friends,

Please join Positive Space Ryerson and RyePRIDE for Toronto’s premiere screening of Sonali Gulati’s ‘I Am’, and the release of the second edition of Vivek Shraya’s book ‘God Loves Hair’, followed by Q&A. This is sure to be an exciting event you won’t want to miss out on!

**MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13th, FROM 6:30 PM TO 9:30 PM** 
in 
**THOMAS LOUNGE located in the OAKHAM HOUSE, 63 GOULD STREET, TORONTO.**
 

Please read further for details regarding Sonali Gulati’s film and Vivek Shraya’s book:

‘I AM’
 
“I Am chronicles the journey of an Indian lesbian filmmaker who returns to Delhi, eleven years later, to re-open what was once home, and finally confronts the loss of her mother whom she never came out to. As she meets and speaks to parents of other gay and lesbian Indians, she pieces together the fabric of what family truly means, in a landscape where being gay was until recently a criminal and punishable offense.”
 
http://www.sonalifilm.com/I-AM.html
 

‘GOD LOVES HAIR’
 
GOD LOVES HAIR is Vivek Shraya’s first book, a collection of 21 short stories following a tender, intellectual, and curious child as he navigates complex realms of sexuality, gender, racial politics, religion, and belonging. Told with the poignant insight and honesty that only the voice of a young mind can convey, the stories are accompanied by the award-winning illustrations of Toronto artist Juliana Neufeld. God Loves Hair was selected as a finalist in the 2011 Lambda Literary Awards.
 
http://vivekshraya.com/godloveshair/
 

The emcee for the evening will be Farzana Doctor. Farzana Doctor is a Toronto-based novelist. Her first novel, Stealing Nasreen, received critical acclaim upon its release in 2007. Her second book, Six Metres of Pavement, was named a Top Ten Book of 2011 by NOW Magazine and won a Rainbow Award.
 
 
 
**NO COVER**
 
**THOMAS LOUNGE IS ACCESSIBLE. 63 GOULD STREET (RSU STUDENT CENTRE)**
 
 
 
SPONSORED BY:
 
Positive Space Ryerson University (http://www.ryerson.ca/equity/positivespace/)
 
RyePRIDE (http://www.ryepride.ca/)
 
INSIDE OUT (http://www.insideout.ca/)
 
The South Asian Visual Arts Centre- SAVAC (http://www.savac.net/)
 


We hope to see you there!

December 1^st is World AIDS Day. On World AIDS Day every year, we remember those who have fought and continue to battle HIV in their daily lives as well as seeking to end HIV once and for all. Although HIV AIDS is well known to be a global pandemic, there are many who know little about AIDS and do not understand the magnitude of its effect.  The following facts are compiled from worldaidsday.org:

-          HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV attacks the immune system and lowers  defense against disease

-          HIV can be passed on through infected bodily fluids, most commonly via sex without a condom. 90% of those living with HIV were infected through sexual contact

-          HIV is not transmitted through sharing straws or utensils, spitting or biting

-          Over 33 million people globally are living with HIV AIDS daily

-          Between 1981 and 2007, over 25 million people have died from HIV AIDS making it one of the most devastating pandemics throughout history

-          Only 1% of infants whose mothers are HIV positive have HIV

-          At this time there is no vaccine or cure for HIV

For too long, AIDS has been seen as a disease which only affects men who have sex with men, but this is simply not the case. HIV AIDS affects EVERYONE. In our daily lives it is important that we are supportive of those who battle HIV, eliminate the stigma that surrounds it, and the discrimination which those affected by AIDS face. Remember that AIDS is not a disease of the past. It is still very much present and it is of utmost importance that we raise awareness and education surrounding the topic of HIV so that our governments and the general public work to eliminate the HIV AIDS pandemic and make it HISTORY.

For more information and to get involved to help eliminate HIV or to donate, please visit www.worldaidsday.org.

‘Black Out: Who Is Missing in Politics?’ was a captivating and stimulating discussion that addressed REAL concerns for Black youth attempting to achieve positions of power in their future.  Zanana Akande and Rob Davis both had very important points to make, which hit home for many of us. However, they never failed to maintain that spark of hope inside us students, so ready to embark on a future that seems so promising and so possible.

Although from starkly opposite political standpoints, they had many similar experiences as people of colour in terms of encountering biases. Rob said he was challenged often for his Conservative affiliation. He pointed out, however, that all people regardless of race or social standing have the right to their political association. Zanana, who ran in the Forest Hill area, was often told by residents during canvassing that they would vote for her because she was Black. She had said that bothered her, although her daughter pointed out that she should appreciate all votes because there will be just as many NOT voting for her because she was Black. They shared many realizations, such as having to actively fight for the respect you deserve, even more so when you are a person of colour. They emphasized that when in a position of power, you must bring other people from your marginalized group with you. You MUST be the voice for those who are voiceless, especially if you one of the rare few who is passed a mic.

Zanana chose to run because she had a cause to fight for, Rob chose to run because he enjoyed politics and had a talent for it – both entered for different reasons, and both came out winners. Zanana noted, however, that it seems to be that people of colour are often voted in because it’s the only option the voting public sees as currently viable or because they are desperate. She believes that is how Obama won his campaign; the US was simply too desperate for a government different from the one they had.

If then, we are seen as capable people, us people of colour, as the right kind of leader when things get tough, why are we not elected into office at a larger rate? Why then are we not recognized for our efforts and abilities more often? These were a couple of the burning questions left with us, to discuss with friends and family later.

Discussion continued long after the mics had been turned off, and I imagine it will for many days, months, and years to follow.

If you are interested in being involved with the group that organized the event or would like to be updated about future events, please email: blackhistory@ryerson.ca

- By Cassandra Thompson

“What does UNHATE mean? UN-hate. Stop hating, if you were hating. Unhate is a message that invites us to consider that hate and love are not as far away from each other as we think. Actually, the two opposing sentiments are often in a delicate and unstable balance. Our campaign promotes a shift in the balance: don’t hate, Unhate.” –UNHATE CAMPAIGN

Benetton is a fashion-house which has long drawn the attention of the general public through eye-catching and controversial advertisements. For over 20 years, Benetton has strived to appeal not to a consumer, but to a human being, bringing issues of prejudice and hate to the attention of the public in a blunt and often graphic manner instead of displaying their products.

Throughout their campaigns, Benetton has broached relevant and sensitive issues, appropriate to the time periods in which they were created and beyond, including homophobia, AIDS, racism, religious prejudice, and contraception. The images provided below display some of Benetton’s most well-known ads, their messages clear and their images potent.

In their most recent ad campaign, Benetton displays formulated images of world leaders caught in a lip-locked embrace. These images have many members of the public in an uproar due to their homosexual undertones, and an advertisement which featured the Pope kissing an Egyptian Imam has since been banned completely.

The campaign’s agenda isn’t to bring varying sexualities to the forefront of our attention so much as it seeks to describe the fine balance between love and hate. By displaying world leaders embracing those with whom they are in conflict, Benetton seeks to promote reconciliation between age-old feuds and promote love.

The message is simple: Unhate.

What do you think of Benetton’s advertising concepts? Do you find them effective and moving?

Check out the rest of Benetton’s UNHATE campaign at http://unhate.benetton.com/.

THE INTERNATIONAL TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

November is a month where we remember. We remember our veterans and our soldiers of the past and present and we remember and acknowledge all of the freedoms which we as Canadians experience daily. Lesser known in November however is the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day on which we remember members of the trans community whose lives have been taken unjustly through violence. 

The International Transgender Day of Remembrance takes place on November 20^th and seeks to raise awareness regarding hate crimes and prejudice directed toward all members of the trans community and their allies. Every day, a member of the trans community is murdered because people are unwilling to accept difference, and these crimes often go unnoticed and under publicized in our media. In our evolving and increasingly embracing society it is vital that these hate crimes are brought to the forefront of our attention so that society can see that prejudice still exists and so that we can continue to take strides to ensure that occurrences such as these are brought to a halt.

On November 20^th, take a few minutes and remember. Remember the prejudice that still exists in our world and seek to end it. Remember the millions of those who are transgendered who live in fear everyday because of the violence that has been directed at the transgendered community. Remember and embrace difference.

To learn more about the International Transgender Day of Remembrance visit the official website at http://www.transgenderdor.org.

Toronto based events surrounding the 13^th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance will be held at:

519 Church Street Community Centre

Friday, November 18^th, 7:00-9:00 PM

and

William Doo Auditorium (45 Willcocks Street)

Monday, November 28^th, 6:30-8:30 PM

Our first student focus group has come to a close and we are one step closer to bringing our LGBTQ mentoring program to fruition! Our focus group was an excellent and well attended event which brought the voices of our student body, both undergraduate and graduate, to the forefront of the conversation surrounding the design of an LGBTQ directed Mentoring Program at Ryerson University.

Our discussion included, but was not limited to the general purpose of the mentoring program, the inclusion of ALL students including mature students, direct entry students and graduate students, the involvement of allies in the program, the extensive and ongoing training available to mentors, the values, theories and systemic attributes of the program and the topic of diversity! Although much has been covered, there is still much to discuss and to elaborate on before we can get this initiative off of the ground!

Our future focus groups will be centered on the conversations of faculty, staff and community members and more updates regarding our progress are sure to follow!

If you want to get involved in some way, send us an email at positivespace@ryerson.ca. Also, expect an online survey in the future which will give you a chance to have your input on the design of Ryerson’s LGBTQ Mentoring Program!

Thanks so much for the outpouring of support and interest that has been demonstrated thus far in this initiative!

Ryerson is seeking input from the community in designing an LGBTQ Mentoring Program.  We are seekingLGBTQ identified individuals, and their allies, to join us in understanding the needs and issues faced by LGBTQ identified students here on campus.

Are you an LGBTQ identified Ryerson student?  Ever wished you had an LGBTQ identified person on campus that you could talk to freely, gain advice from and learn from their experiences?  Perhaps  you now feel comfortable with who YOU are and want to help people struggling with coming out or maybe you’re looking for career advice from an LGBTQ member of your chosen field of study.  If you can relate, we want to hear from you!

Want to be part of this extremely important initiative?  Want to help LGBTQ identified students who may be struggling with coming out, leaving home for the first time and attending university (and experiencing the stress that comes with it)? Have you ever experienced homophobia on or off campus? We would love to have you at our focus group. Not only will you be lending a helping hand in the creation of a trailblazing initiative in Toronto, and in Canada as a whole, but it will be an opportunity to help others like YOU who may have struggled or may still be struggling with the anxieties of being an LGBTQ identified individual here at Ryerson University.

The First Focus Group is Thursday, October 20^th. Refreshments will be served.

For more information and/or to sign up to be a part of Ryerson’s LGBTQ Mentoring Program’s first focus group, email positivespace@ryerson.ca. 

Thank you and we hope to see you there!

P  O  S  I  T  I  V  E   S  P  A  C  E  |  R  Y  E  R  S  O  N

Since school is starting again, DHPS would like to give each one of their student staff a chance to talk about their first year experience here at Ryerson. Last, but not least to talk about their first year experiences is our webmaster and social media person, Eric Siu:

It’s that time of year school IS starting again!!! For some it’s a time of joy and excitement; a time where you can see your friends you haven’t seen all summer, a time to meet new people, a time to LEARN (Because that’s what you do in school…right? ;) ). For others it’s a time of dread, a time of sorrow, a time of “OH NO!! SCHOOL IS STARTING AGAIN!! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!” OK so maybe that last part was a little bit of an exaggeration but you know what I’m trying to say.

I remember when waaaaay back when I just started university. I was younger, innocent and naive (ha ha). On my first day here, I was actually quite nervous. I didn’t know the campus very well, I didn’t know anyone in my program, and I thought every word a professor said was going to be tested on an exam (Hilarious, I know). I also noticed for the first time that there are a LOT of people in this school. Like an overwhelming amount of people.

During my first week here, I remember that there was a day where all of the clubs and organizations in Ryerson were tabling, hoping to get people interested in joining their group. I actually wished I paid more attention to that in my first year. In fact, I wish I actually joined some of those student services programs here. They would have made my experience in first year much better. In fact, there were a lot of student services that I didn’t even know existed that would have been extremely helpful in my first year. Examples include Tri-mentoring, the Career Center and even the Work-study Program.

Tri-mentoring is probably one of the most useful programs for a first year student. Basically they match you up with an older student usually one who is in a similar program of study and of a similar cultural background. From there the program helps students in learning in areas such as employment, learning support, and leadership training. It’s also a great way to meet new people.

The Work-Study Program is definitely another very useful program no matter what year you’re in. It’s like a job agency where they list different jobs around campus. These jobs are part-time during the school year and have extremely flexible hours that work around your class schedule. They are also useful jobs that look great on a resume. In fact, the Work-study program was how I got this position I have here, at the Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Services

Last, but not least, is the Career Center. This is the office that will be useful to many of you as you attempt to find a job related to your field of study after you graduate. What they do is tell you of job fairs, workshops and such where you can meet people from different businesses and companies. They can also help you with your resume and cover letters.

I myself didn’t even know Tri-mentoring existed until I was in my second year, and I didn’t know about the Career Center and the Work-Study program until my third year. I still managed to survive first year without using any of these student services although if I knew about them, they would have made first year much easier for me.

One last piece of advice that I would give to all students is that the years do NOT get easier as you go through them. I know some people say first year is the hardest but that is WRONG. Second Year is much harder than first year and third year is much harder than second year. Keep up with your studying and stay focused on your goals!!

To all students, enjoy your first year here at Ryerson and I would like to say “WELCOME TO RYERSON UNIVERSITY!!”

(Above: Me in first year, more Innocent, Naive and Younger haha)

- Eric Siu