Polyamory Toronto is proud to present an impressive double header event addressing the Power and Privilege that can and does exist within Polyamorous Communities, specifically when it comes to Race and Gender.

The Intersection of Race and Polyamory (12:30 - 2:30)

Presented by Kevin Patterson

While polyamory and polyamorists are often viewed as a very welcome bunch, far too often, our communities and representation appear very limited. While we can be loud and proud when it comes to feminism and LGBT issues, sometimes we are suspiciously silent in regards to race. Beyond that, we sometimes, and often unknowingly, foster a standoffish, stressful or downright unwelcoming atmosphere around people of color. This presentation is a discussion about why diversity is important to our movement. We will tackle ways that we can proactively promote an inclusive environment in our lives, in our communities, and at our events. Most importantly, we will go over what we can do to maintain that diversity.

Striving to be an Ally (2:50 - 4:50)

Presented by Jeff Perera and Quinten Hackwood

A discussion-focused space to get comfortable with the ‘uncomfortable’! Let’s unpack intersections of holding privilege and not-having privilege in everyday interactions and scenarios. Jeff and Quinten will create space to spark dialogue around our various voices, perspectives and lived experiences. Let’s discuss what it means to be an ally in an inviting and inclusive space that demands we step up around self-accountability. We will go there, together.

About Our Presenters:

Kevin Patterson

Kevin is an active member of the Philadelphia polyamory community. He's been practicing ethical nonmonogamy since August 2002 after opening up the relationship that eventually became his marriage. In April 2015, Kevin started Poly Role Models, a blog/interview series for polyamorous people to share their real-life experiences. Poly Role Models is part of a drive to raise awareness and diversify representation of polyamory.

Jeff Perera

Jeff Perera has been speaking on healthy versus toxic masculinity, and men helping end gender-based violence for over six years to tens of thousands of people across Canada. Jeff has delivered engaging and interactive multimedia talks with elementary, high school, and post-secondary students as well as people in various organizations and spaces about what it means to be a man today.

He has delivered two TEDx talks: ‘Words Speak Louder Than Actions’ which looks at the power of our words, and ‘The Ladder of Manhood’ which explore’ male pursuit of identity and how too many men are fluent in a language of violence. Jeff created ‘Higher Unlearning’ as an online space to explore how narrow ideas of gender effect men and boys, and impact women and girls in everyday life.

Jeff founded the annual ‘What Makes A Man’ Conference and was event director for the first TEDx Women event in Toronto. He was named to Racism Free Ontario’s Top 100 Person of Colour list spotlighting anti-racism activists. Jeff’s awareness-raising initiatives to create inclusive spaces for people of all walks of life have earned him numerous human rights & equity awards.

Quinten Hackwood

Quinten is a bi queer, genderqueer polyamorist with a penchant for radical compassion and self-reflection. Q focusses heavily on trauma, consent, boundaries, and emotional processing, both in their personal life and in their contribution to their community. They believe that emotional integrity is the path to having needs met and meeting the needs of others without burnout or resentments, both on the individual scale, and within our communities.

More Information about the Event:

This event is open to the public and is not a Polyamory Toronto members-only event.

The venue, The 519 Community Centre, is an accessible space with a ramp located on the south side of the building and an elevator inside. We will be located on the main floor for this event, Room 106. There are gender-neutral and binary-gender washrooms for everyone's comfort.

While we are charging a ticket price, please contact Eva of Polyamory Toronto at polyeva@hotmail.ca should the cost be a barrier to you attending. We think everybody should have access to our event regardless of their financial situation. We cover costs for all attendees whenever possible and offer a special Early Bird ticket pricing. Payment can also be made at the door for the Last Chance ticket price of $30.

Our events are well attended by an incredibly diverse audience. When we say that everyone is welcome, we mean it! People of all genders, orientations, ages and abilities are encouraged to come, regardless of relationship status or style. Our Safer Spaces and Member Behaviour Guidelines will be in effect for this event.

To arrange ASL interpretation, specific seating needs or to discuss other measures that will make our events more accessible to you, please email Eva at polyeva@hotmail.ca. We request 72 hours notice before the event to set up interpretation.

We're always happy to make participants comfortable and make our spaces more accessible.