September 26: Acts of Resistance at UTSC: Queer Self-Defense Workshop
Empower yourself and your community with the skills and confidence to resist violence and discrimination through this inclusive and empowering workshop, “Acts of Resistance: Self-Defense for 2S & LGBTQIA+ Individuals and Community.” This workshop is designed specifically for members of the Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ communities, providing a safe and supportive space to learn practical self-defense techniques while fostering solidarity and resilience.
Led by an experienced instructor who xemself is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, this workshop combines elements of self-defense training, community building, and empowerment education to address the unique safety concerns faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals.
2SLGBTQ+ students, staff, faculty, and librarians at UTSC are invited to join us on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. We’ll be meeting in the Catalyst Centre (EV 152) from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Participants will:
- Learn effective self-defense techniques tailored to LGBTQIA+ experiences, emphasizing empowerment, assertiveness, and de-escalation.
- Explore strategies for navigating and resisting violence, discrimination, and harassment in various contexts, including public spaces, workplaces, and online environments.
- Cultivate awareness of personal boundaries, instincts, and intuition to enhance safety and decision-making in potentially threatening situations.
- Foster solidarity and mutual support within the LGBTQIA+ community through shared experiences, discussions, and collaborative exercises.
- Be empowered to advocate for themselves and their communities, promoting social change and collective resilience against systemic oppression and discrimination.
This workshop welcomes Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ individuals of all levels of physical ability. Whether you are new to self-defense or have previous experience, this workshop offers valuable tools and insights for navigating the complexities of safety and empowerment as an LGBTQIA+ person.
Join us for “Acts of Resistance: Self-Defense for 2S & LGBTQIA+ Individuals and Community” and rise up against violence, discrimination, and injustice. Together, we can build a safer, more inclusive world for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
About Shaiden Keaney
Shaiden (xe/she) has over a decade of self-defence training experience, and has supported thousands of students to embody their power and help them live a more integrated, more fearless, more connected life. Xe is committed to living a life guided by respect, love, and ferocity.
Getting to the Catalyst Centre
When you enter the Environmental Science & Chemistry Building through the main entrance, you’ll see the Catalyst Centre on your left. The Catalyst Centre has a glass wall and is directly opposite the EV elevator. This space also has a street entrance, see the exterior door marked with “The Catalyst Centre.” The Environmental Science & Chemistry Building is located at 1065 Military Trail, Scarborough, ON, M1C 1A4.