Hey, Cis‪!‬ Cyn and Isaac

"Once you get in the room, it is actually a hell of a lot harder for them to kick you out of it."In our final episode of season three, we are finishing off with a powerhouse of a guest. Fae Johnstone (They/She) is Executive Director and Co-Owner of Wisdom2Action (W2A). She is an experienced community engagement expert, diversity and inclusion consultant, and project manager. Over her past two years working with W2A, Fae has led local, provincial, and national initiatives focused on 2SLGBTQ+ community health and wellness, youth mental health, meaningful community engagement, and gender-based violence. Also, she's been on a chocolate bar. 
"We are having to wake up to how precarious our progress is."After having her likeness depicted Hershey's chocolate bars a part of their International Women's Day promotion, Fae became the focal point of an international boycott targeting Hershey's. The homophobic and transphobic vitriol exploded from the far-right ecosystem online, only 72 hours after sharing a post to her Twitter. In the following days and weeks, Fae's face, name, and entire life story was published online and being picked apart by the likes of Rebel News and Tucker Carlson.
In today's conversation, we hear all about this tumultuous time in Fae's life, reflecting on what her experience says about anti-trans conspiracies fomenting in far-right circles here in Canada. Even in the face of unbelievable adversity, Fae continues her essential work as a key voice for Queer and Trans rights in Canada today. 
Hey, Cis! Connected Communities Moment - Thriveworks:This summer, Thriveworks will be connecting with rural communities across Atlantic Canada to talk about 2SLGBTQIA+ career opportunities. We want to hear from you what it is that you need to achieve your career goals, so reach out to us on our social media to share your thoughts!
Find us on: 
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)Twitter (@simplygoodform)Instagram (@simplygoodform)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/)Links:
Wisdom2Action: https://www.wisdom2action.org/Thrive Queer Careers & Resiliency: https://www.simplygoodform.com/THRIVEHershey Canada News Release: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/hershey-canada-releases-limited-edition-her-for-she-bars-to-celebrate-canadian-women-building-a-better-future-844318857.htmlMusic: 
Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself
Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP
Website: http://www.Craymo.com

This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter. 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 
Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io
For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

"I don't care how folks read, I care that you read."In this episode, Cyn and Isaac kick off summer with their book reviewer friend, Abbey Campbell (she/her), who shares some of the most exciting new publications to hit the world of Queer literature. Looking for a good novel to take on vacation, or something to read with your morning coffee? Then tune in, because Abbey and the team at Hey, Cis! have you covered!
Did one of the books we talk about in this episode catch your interest?  Featured Texts (with appropriate content warnings):
The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox OstertagThe Girl from the Sea is a sapphic coming-of-age story about a young rural Nova Scotian girl named Morgan, who kisses a selkie one night after being saved from drowning in the sea.Content warning(s): Outing, near drowning, divorce (mention)Find the author on these socials:Twitter: @MollyOstertagInstagram: @molly_ostertagWebsite: www.mollyostertag.com
This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max GladstoneTwo time-traveling agents from warring futures, working their way through the past, begin to exchange letters—and fall in love.Content warning(s): Self-harm, descriptions of dead bodies and body parts, blood-drinking, murder & attempted murder, gun violence, poisoning, torture, imprisonment, animal death, warFind the authors on these socials:Twitter: @tithenai & @maxgladstoneInstagram: @amalelmohtar & @max.gladstoneWebsite: www.amalelmohtar.com & www.maxgladstone.com 
Us by Sara Soler (out July 25th, 2023)Originally written in Spanish, Us by Sara Soler tells the true love story of Sara and her girlfriend, Diana. Sara illustrates their shared past as a heteronormative couple and guides the reader through the ups and downs of coming out and accepting yourself. For Sara, it was finding out that she was bi. For Diana, it was finding out she was trans.Content warning(s): Gender dysphoria, transphobia, homophobia, biphobiaFind the author on these socials:Twitter: @Hammer_moonInstagram: @sarasoler_art
A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha ShannonStandalone prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree. It’s set just shy of five centuries before Priory and covers the period known as the Great Sorrow.Content warning(s): Cancer (implied), childbirth, child loss, child marriage, mass death, mind control, miscarriage (mention), pandemic, parental death, postnatal depression, pregnancy, reproductive coercion, violence, vomitingFind the author on these socials:Twitter: @say_shannonInstagram: @say_shannon
Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza VillaAristotle and Dante meets The Hate U Give meets The Sun Is Also A Star. A stunning YA contemporary love story about a Mexican-American non-binary teen who falls in love with an undocumented Mexican bisexual boy.Content warning(s): racism, xenophobia, ICE, deportation of a character, death of a family member, underage drinking, use of drugs, sex (mention off-page), vomitingFind the author on these socials:Twitter: @JONNYescribeInstagram: @jonnyinstasWebsite: www.jonnygarzavilla.com 
Hey, Cis! Connected Communities Summer Reading Give-Away:
We’ve shared a few of our picks, now let’s hear from you!
What Queer reads are on your list for summer 2023? Have a recommendation for Hey, Cis! Listeners? Share it here for your chance to WIN a gift voucher for $25.00 CAD to one of our favourite Queer bookstores, Venus Envy.

To Enter:
Share one of your Queer Summer Reading recommendations, along with your name, address and contact details on the entry form below between now and June 30, 2023 at 12pm.
Winner will be randomly drawn and contacted within 24 hours of the draw to receive their virtual gift voucher.  No purchase necessary. No cash value and not redeemable for cash.Check out the contest page for more information.

Contest runs 12 a.m. June 7, 2023 to 12 p.m. on June 30, 2023.
Entry Form Link: https://forms.gle/qxLc9YikFn7kzSc29
Music: 
Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself

"Allyship is a way of loving and taking care of other people."Today, Cyn and Isaac are joined by Kate Lum-Potvin (she/her) and Dr. Frank Sileo (he/his), co-authors of the new children's book, Pride and Joy: A Story About Becoming a LGBTQIA+ Ally. In this conversation, Kate and Dr. Sileo explain the reasons why they decided to write a book on allyship from the perspective of a young child, and their hopes for the impact it may have.
The story follows a young Joy who, after witnessing an act of homophobia targeted at her older brother Noah, is compelled to help in any way she can. The book introduces young readers to the concept of allyship gently, with resources for teachers and parents to help facilitate further learning and discussion.
Pride and Joy will be available on May 18, 2023 at major book retailers, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Show links:
- Hey, Cis! TD Connected Community Moment: Enter for a chance to win a Hey, Cis! Prize Pack by leaving a message on SpeakPipe
- Preorder or purchase Pride and Joy: A Story About Becoming a LGBTQIA+ Ally
Music: 
Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself
Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP
Website: http://www.Craymo.com

This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter. 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 
Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io
For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

“The best that we can do is continue to be visible, continue to organize, and continue to take action to secure our own space within our own culture.”Just in time for the Trans Day of Visibility, Isaac (They/He) sits down with Simply Good Form Director of Program Development Emma Stanley (She/Her), to talk about the challenges surrounding and importance of living visibly. Given the recent rise of anti-Trans legislation and sentiment, Isaac and Emma discuss the increased importance of this year's TDoV.
The two discuss the barriers people face when trying to live visibly and the reasons why it is so important to see members of the Trans community succeeding in the more mundane aspects of life, drawing from their own lived experiences for context.
Also in this episode, Emma shares an upcoming skills program called Thrive, which aims to help Trans and gender-diverse community members find careers that will encourage and support them to live authentically. This program includes resume building, a mock interview, and tips on how to determine if a prospective employer is serious about inclusion.
Show links:
- Hey, Cis! TD Connected Community Moment: Simply Good Form's Name and Gender Marker Change Pathway & Clinics- Check out THRIVE: Careers and Resiliency for registration and more info. 
- Da'Shaun (They/Them) on Twitter: "To be visibly Queer is to choose your happiness over your safety."
Music: 
Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself
Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP
Website: http://www.Craymo.com

This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter. 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 
Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io
For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

“This is a commitment to being trans. Being trans is now a fundamental part of who I am.”
In this episode, Isaac (He/They) and Cyn (She/Her) have an energy-packed conversation with the first openly transgender Canadian woman to win the Rhodes Scholarship. Julia Levy (She/Her), joins us from British Columbia and shares with us her thoughts on a scholarship that is not without its historical controversy, and not originally intended for someone like her. As Julia comes to terms with the award, before heading to Oxford University and putting it to good use; she dives deep into the intersections of being trans in a science-based leadership role. From harm-reduction and trans care, to accessible chemistry educational software, Julia's a Chemist with intention on making an impact in her community.
Show links:
- Hey, Cis! TD Connected Community Moment: Celebrating scholarships, if you’re a soon-to-be High School Graduate and involved with Pflag Canada, be sure to connect with your local Chapter before March 20th to have your name put forward for the Ted Rogers Scholarship.
- https://about.rogers.com/our-impact/ted-rogers-scholarships/
- Pflag Canada Chapters - https://pflagcanada.ca/ 
- TD Scholarship opportunities: https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/solutions/student-banking/community-leadership-scholarship-for-canadians
Produced and edited in-house.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ 
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm 
Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
MUSIC: 
Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself
Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP
Website: http://www.Craymo.com
For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Mariat Jibril leads with love and her leadership is infectious. 
In this latest episode of Hey, Cis! Isaac (he/they) and Cyn (she/her) join Mariat Jibril (she/her) in Vancouver, British Columbia and have a coast-to-coast conversation about being a Black, queer advocate and financial professional working in equity, diversity and inclusion.
"I think we can love and we can lead with love and we can lead with love. You just like being a leader in any organization. You've got to have empathy. If you can live with empathy, then you can never be a leader." MariatAs interest rates hike upwards with unrelenting stamina, we’re thinking about how our identities impacts our ability to access financial stability. 
“Human rights are a part of financial rights,’ says Mariat Jibril, who joins Isaac and Cyn to explore financial stability and how connecting with community is impacting LGBTQ2+, Black, Indigenous, People of colour, Youths, Women, Non-Binary and Persons with disabilities in Canada. Mariat is the Regional Manager of LGBTQ2+ Business Development at TD Bank Group. She divides her time between British Columbia and Yukon Territory and is a CGLCC LGBT+ Business Advocate finalist 2022; where Cyn had the pleasure of first connecting with her.
Mariat advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion. As a black, queer influencer, Mariat has a passion for creating success for business owners, and the community at large.Perspectives, insights and resources we loved talking about in this episode.Show links:
Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)Producer: Connor Samson (He/Him) podstarter.ioHeyCis.comThe Bridge Blog at Simply Good Form Inc.: TD Connected Communities Moment and Black History Month through a Queer lensPflag CanadaConnect with Mariat Jibril on Twitter, LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Linktree
Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
MUSIC: 
Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself
Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP 
For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.