S3: E42: Pitchforks and Tiki Torches with Fae Johnstone

"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/THRIVE
• Hershey 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.html

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.

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