On Monday, January 13th , Toronto Pflag held its first social and well-being event of 2020 at the Metropolitan United Church, in partnership with the Toronto Trans Coalition Project (TTCP). The event saw close to 150 people in attendance, filling the room up with trans families, trans elders and youth, alongside their allies.
This event “Love Lives Here: Thriving in a Transgender Family” was positioned as a book reading, author Q&A and local community panel discussion. However, it was quickly evident that the event was much more than the sum of its parts. From poignant discussion, to an open environment and mandate in tune with our theme “thriving in trans families,” the night was powerful and deeply meaningful for many in the room.
Amanda Jetté Knox, author of best-selling book “Love Lives Here,” was invited to read from her inspiring memoir of her family’s journey of love. Joined by her wife Zoe Knox, the two co-presented the opening segment. Amanda read from her book, then with Zoe shared anecdotes expanding on the themes of love, acceptance and respect when faced with navigating trans kids and trans relationships. After sharing incredible stories, they opened up to questions from the audience.
Following a short break of refreshments, book sales (thanks to our friends at Another Story Bookshop) and a booth continuing Toronto Pflag’s “Have Your Say: Gender Can’t Wait for Grade 8” campaign, Toronto Pflag and TTCP hosted a local community panel filled with a powerful roster of accepting parents, accepting spouses, trans youth, and trans adults who added much appreciated lived experience, wisdom and insight.
The audience gave rapt attention, no coughing, throat clearing, shuffling, or looking at phones. It was clear what was being said was soul-food to many in the audience. We finished the event with book signings, hugs, and an opportunity for photos with our special guests.
Toronto Pflag was proud to co-sponsor this love-filled event with our friends at the Toronto Trans Coalition Project. Our heartfelt thanks to Stephanie Woolley, Sara Anne Leigh, Susan Gapka, our memorable guest speakers Amanda Jetté Knox and Zoe Knox, and our incredible panel, Eileen, Ashley, Eva, and Wendy. Thank you to the volunteers from Toronto Pflag and Toronto Trans Coalition Project. We couldn’t do any of this without you!