July 2017 | Urbanicity Hamilton by UrbanicityHamOnt

July

10 REASONS TO BE A FEMINIST

FROM SYRIA TO HAMILTON

PERMISSION TO SUCCEED

rights protocol but there's more work to be done

ONE WOMAN'S JOURNEY

Persevering through difficulty, discrimination, sexism and inequality

2 0 1 7 | t h e w o m e n ' s I SS U E | C O M P L I M E N T A R Y

TRANS RIGHTS Hamilton is on the cutting edge of inclusivity with its trans

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A letter From P U B L I S H E R + E D I TO R ANDREA FERNANDES andrea@urbanicity.ca

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As a forum for ideas, issues, and experiences, the views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Publisher, Editor, other contributors, advertisers or distributors unless otherwise stated. DISTRIBUTION 40,000+ readers per month. Distributed throughout Hamilton, Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, Aldershot, and Burlington. 12 issues per year. (289) 796.0931 ADVERTISING INQUIRES andrea@urbanicity.ca

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have to work twice as hard to make less money, we are always expected to look our absolute best, we can speak up but not too loudly, we mustn’t show too much emotion but of course can’t be emotionless, being clingy is unattractive but so is being too independent, and we are most definitely not part of the boys club. Society expects women to be chameleons, able to adapt to the different needs of men.

L AYOU T & D ES I G N Tafari Anthony

I vividly remember the rage I felt when my kindergarten teacher complimented my beautiful French Braid. She told me my mother had done a lovely job. The problem was, it was my father who had braided my hair each day before school and I didn’t understand why the teacher looked absolutely puzzled at the thought of a grown man braiding his daughter’s hair. I grew up in a home with no defined gender roles. Both my parents worked full-time jobs and they split the responsibilities of taking care of the home and their children equally. I was always told I could be whatever I wanted to be with hard work and determination. As a child, being a girl never meant my opportunities were limited.

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It wasn’t until I was older that I began to understand that not everyone considered women equal to men. I learned that we

I’ll never forget the afternoon I walked into the office of an old job. I had the morning off so I spent a little extra time getting ready for the work day. I felt great and I looked great. Upon entering the office a male manager looked up and complimented me. I was perfectly fine with the exchange until he said “see what happens when you put in a little extra effort.” I thought I was going to hurl right there on the spot. It’s a combination of comments like this that tell a woman that she is valued first and foremost for how she looks. As the Editor-in-Chief at urbanicity Magazine I have found it difficult to say my career title out loud. There is this insecurity inside me that tells me I am too small for the role, I can’t really be a boss, and who am I to be running a business from top to bottom? I once introduced myself as the editor to an older gentleman who chuckled

and said “oh, you’re intimidating.” After all, editors are supposed to be old white men, hunched over their desk, with half rolled up sleeves, and a cigarette in hand. I am slowly learning to let myself feel accomplished, to be proud of the work that I have put in, and realizing that I have just as much power as a man. I couldn’t be happier to be making a name for myself in Hamilton as it's a city that embraces female leadership. The female community has been nothing but supportive, leading me to discover groups like the Hamilton Fempreneurs (pg. 16) who gather monthly to encourage fellow femmes and bring their new business ideas to the table. This magazine has given me the opportunity to share the stories of the fiery and passionate women in Hamilton who are breaking down that glass ceiling and refusing to be defined by their sex. This issue is for the women, and for all those people who support and encourage women to be whatever they want to be. Let’s continue to be a community with female leaders and strive to constantly break down those pre-determined gender roles. Andrea Fernandes

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JULY 2017 / THE WOMEN'S ISSUE

I SSU E S

Photo by alexa mazzarello

10 Reasons to Be a Feminist

01. 02. 03. 04. 05.

The Pay Gap. According to StatsCan, full-time employed women earn only $0.74 for every dollar a full-time employed man makes. Adjusted for hours worked, women still only earn $0.87 for every male dollar. This devalues women’s work, making women more likely to drop out of the workforce and have longer-term issues saving for retirement. Sexual Harassment. Enjoying a media moment due to the trial of Jian Ghomeshi, sexual harassment in the workplace is still a huge issue: an Angus Reid poll in 2014 found that 28% of people who responded claimed they did not report sexual harassment at work, owing in part, to fear of losing their jobs. When broken down into gender, women were four times more likely than men to be the ones harassed. Speaking up, but not being heard. A Harvard study in 2015 found that when women collaborated with male colleagues, they were less likely to see returns for their work, though the men were almost 4 times more likely to see promotion than when they worked by themselves. The Journal of Language and Social Psychology published a study noting that women were more likely to be interrupted, by both men and women, than men were. Inadequate family planning tools. Though the UN recognizes that access to family planning that is safe and affordable is a basic human right, our culture hasn’t caught up yet. Resources to help plan and raise families are still hard to come by and women end up bearing the brunt of that work, and those affected the most are women in lower income brackets. Unpaid Labour in the Workplace. Women are more likely than their male colleagues to be asked to do unpaid work around the office, like getting coffee, organizing the birthday cards and cleaning up after office meetings.

06. 07.

08.

Less Hirable, or “When do you plan on having a baby?”. Though Canada has policies on the books to prohibit hiring discrimination based on pregnancy, a study in the UK found that 40% of managers were less likely to hire young women because of the “risk” of pregnancy. Canada and Ontario both bar discrimination based on pregnancy, but what happens when managers opt to discriminate on women based on their potential to get pregnant? This is still discrimination, though harder to pin down and women face the uphill climb to prove this. Less Hirable, or “John’s more qualified than Jane!”. In a Yale University study, researchers found that scientists were more likely to find a woman candidate less qualified than a man, even where their resumes were the same (it is also worth noting that when the woman was chosen, those scientists offered her less for the same job than they did to the male candidate). Our culture still has a perception that women are somehow less qualified than men solely based on the fact that they are women, leading to worse outcomes for female employment. Girls pushed out of STEM. Women represent just 22% of workers in STEM fields, where the pay gap is about 7 cents, according to StatsCan. Given how lucrative careers in STEM can be, that’s a huge failing, and studies have found women quit STEM due to sexual harassment, being looked over for promotion as a rule, and a workplace culture that promotes sexism.

09. 10.

Tampon taxes and other period-related things. A recent tweet went viral after pointing out that it was common in the tech industry to see firms that supplied free beer for their employees but still required female employees to pay for their tampons. The problem with this is not only that tampons are too often treated as a luxury good (where they can be taxed, or not supplied at all) but that an omission like this smacks of a culture where men are the center, presumed employees – leaving women in an “othered” position where they need to conform to men, as opposed to just doing their jobs. Office dress codes. Though Ontario and British Columbia have both taken steps to eradicate “heel” dress codes that only affect women in the workplace, the rest of Canada is still alright with forcing female employees to dress a certain way. Further, those bills are focused on sexualized clothing in mostly restaurants and bars. The implied requirement that women in other professions remain similarly dressed, skirts and heels, is going largely unnoticed.

By Amanda Pereira

Amanda Pereira is a writer, lawyer and new mom. She's obviously a feminist.

URBANICITY.CA

E x perience s

Community to the Core Meet the Hamilton Fringe Festival’s Executive Director, Claire Calnan works in mid-February. To support and enhance Frost Bites, the company devised the ALERT (Artistic Leadership and Entrepreneurial Training) program, an arts education initiative aimed at emerging artistic leaders interested in the producing and administrative side of theatre.

Leah Cherniak, who both mentored Calnan and taught her to mentor others. They share an enduring bond and Cherniak remains Calnan’s mentor in the collaborative Canadian theatre community.

laire Calnan knew early on that she was headed for a life in theatre. Born and raised in the former village of Weston, Ontario, she jumped in feet first and entered high school at the Etobicoke School of the Arts. After graduation, she moved to Vancouver to study at Studio 58, a professional theatre training school whose alumnae include actor and writer, Carmen Aguirre, and master of improvisational comedy, Colin Mochrie. After her schooling she returned to Toronto and immersed herself in the independent theatre scene. Through her early work, she was fortunate to meet Ravi Jain (Why Not Theatre), Dean Gilmour and Michele Smith (Theatre Smith-Gilmour), all graduates of the famed Paris theatre school, L’Ecole Jacques Lecoq. She also worked closely with actor Jenny Young and visionary director and dramaturge, Weyni Mengesha, who later developed one of the most successful plays in Canadian theatre history, Da Kink In My Hair. All of these artists were influencers who became friends and colleagues, forming the kind of artistic community that

Photos provided by HAMILTON FRINGE FESTIVAL

Calnan had imagined and desired since her youth in Weston. To support her early career – she had yet to land her first professional acting job – Calnan took a part-time post as a relief worker in a group home for young women. She drew important insights from the experience that would affect the way she made theatre. Those young women were great storytellers and she began to explore the relationship between storytelling, theatre and the other work she was doing. That exploration gave rise to the AMY (Artists Mentoring Youth) Project, a barrier-free performing arts education program for young women and nonbinary youth from the Greater Toronto Area. The partnerships and collaborations that she and AMY co-Directors Pasha McKenley and Weyni Mengesha formed with theatre companies and festivals are the architecture that holds the project together and a blueprint for Calnan’s own brand of community building. Meantime, Calnan got her professional start, as many young actors continue to do, at Toronto’s Young People’s Theatre. There she met yet another former Lecoq student, director and producer,

Before moving to Hamilton in 2012, Calnan worked in Toronto as a professional performer, playwright, producer, director and educator. She still misses being in the thick of that theatre-making community, but is excited by the growing cultural scene in Hamilton. “When I first got here, people did not want to go downtown,” said Calnan, “Now, gentrification is beginning to parallel that of 1980s Toronto, with all the amazing and troubling repercussions that move alongside it. There is something about the time that we’re in and the changing nature of the city. There is definitely more of an audience for art now.” A month after buying a house in Hamilton, Calnan saw a posting for the position of Executive Director of the Hamilton Fringe Festival. She felt confident going in that her combination of artistic and producing skills would win her the role. Besides, the job would give her “a reason to connect, be professionally proactive and, theatre being a community art form, be part of a new community.” Four years on, Calnan says that she is energized by the growth of the Hamilton Fringe Festival and that “there is something very exciting about the young [artistic] community here.” She has a strong desire to make things happen and with the Fringe she feels poised to help keep young people in Hamilton. Calnan has ensured that one slot in the annual festival is kept open for the graduating class of McMaster’s theatre program. She also initiated the winter mini-festival, Frost Bites, which presents non-traditional, site-specific

This year will be the biggest summer festival yet. Between July 20-30th, 50 performance companies from the local and national scene and from as far away as Brazil and New Zealand will present nearly 400 performances in 10 venues across the downtown core. The woman who nurtured the AMY Project to adulthood and has, with a small team and supportive board, overseen the extraordinary growth of the Hamilton Fringe is also a single mother of a 15-month-old child. Calnan says it takes a lot of imagination to create and maintain a non-traditional family. She keeps a split focus on the here and now and on the future. Her plans for the Fringe, among other projects, are ambitious and include creating opportunities for people to make good work in Hamilton and ensure that the festival is ever more vital and exciting. Her efforts have not gone un-noticed. In the past few months, Calnan has received the prestigious K.M. Hunter Award for theatre, and in June was awarded the Hamilton Arts Award for Innovation. The City of Hamilton has, apparently, accepted Claire Calnan as one of its own and that shift will go a long way toward building the kind of creative community that Calnan, and others to come, can live and thrive in.

By Anna Camara

Anna Camara began her career as an actor in Hamilton in 1977 and returned to the city in 2016 to continue her work as a writer, editor, collaborator and communicator. She is curious about everything and is active in contemporary arts and culture. @ iamacamara

JULY 2017 / THE WOMEN'S ISSUE

EXPERIENCES

REDCHURCH Art, coffee, prosecco, beer and the woman behind it

If you’re going to start a business, Hamilton is definitely the right place to do it. People have really embraced it, and I am really excited to grow with the community as well

As a newbie to Hamilton it was important for Panessa to look for someone that was not only local but also involved in the city. “He’s one of the few in the city that take unedited photos and has unique vantage points that are amazing. I thought it was a good opportunity to show case his talent and celebrate him because he does a lot for the city”. Panessa has been blown away with the sense of community in Hamilton. “If you’re going to start a business, Hamilton is definitely the right place to do it. People have really embraced it, and I am really excited to grow with the community as well,” says Panessa.

Photos by EMILY KERTCHER

In one of the oldest buildings in Hamilton, a new cafe and art space comes to life by the name of REDCHURCH. Recently moved to Hamilton, Graziella Panessa had a vision for the old Victoria Hall. In the mixture of missed matched buildings the one with the delicate white facade captured the eye of Panessa, and her fiancé. Graziella Panessa saw the potential for the old building sitting nuzzled in Gore Park. With her passion for not only coffee but also the art world, Panessa has transformed this space into REDCHURCH. A cafe and art gallery duo. “We wanted to breathe a little bit of life into the downtown core. We saw that there was an opportunity and saw the vision. Alongside the Royal Connaught and other developments, we thought that this building was perfect for it,” says Panessa. Panessa spent her 20’s in London learning from the best in the art world. Working under Louisa Guiness, she learned the ins and outs of running an art gallery and exhibition curating. She had the opportunity to work with top contemporary artists from Anish Kapoor to Jeff Koons. She’s handled amazing pieces like Picasso, and has worked the major art fairs all around the world.

With London having a huge coffee scene, Panessa gained her interest in coffee. She attended one of the most esteemed coffee schools in London where she trained as a barista. With her well rounded knowledge of the art world and now coffee, moving to Hamilton Panessa knew she wanted to open something that incorporated both worlds. “When I moved here I knew I wanted something that incorporated coffee and art and [I wanted to] create a really nice environment for people. Especially since Hamilton is an art focused community. I thought it would be nice to expose the community to something that is different and not offered in a lot of cafes,” says Panessa. And that is exactly what she has brought to REDCHURCH. An environment that is constantly changing, and exciting. The perfect place for Hamiltonians to be inspired by creativity. Panessa has excellently executed

this with her organization of spaces to make it aesthetically pleasing. Walking into REDCHURCH you are immediately drawn in by the vibrant blue walls. The environment is spacious, yet cozy and the wooden tables provide the perfect place to enjoy a conversation with friends, read a book or get some work done. The building is narrow which sends you on a journey to discover what’s hidden in the back. Illuminated by a trendy neon sign you are welcomed into the art gallery. “I wanted the art gallery to be a surprise for people when they come in. This exciting kind of treasure in the back, and something for someone to discover on their day to day routine,” Panessa explains. For the inaugural exhibition that opened on May 12th, Panessa brought to life the works of Thomas Allen’s (@ rebuildhamilton) Breaking Glass. A work of photographs that celebrate the architecture of Hamilton.

In the exhibitions moving forward Panessa hopes to have a wide range of contemporary art and artists. Anything ranging from sculptures, paintings, wearable art, furniture and textiles. Her goal is also to be able to celebrate people locally through contemporary and historical art. An art space that can cater to all different crowds. “The opportunity here is just so obvious. Coming from London, we wanted to move somewhere that was completely different. Hamilton is on the verge of something amazing and I wanted to be a part of it. It’s one of those unique cities that is so passionate about art and music. There are so few Canadian cities these days that you can set up a business and have it work. Hamilton has such a unique crowd that this concept actually works here. People get it, like it, and enjoy it.” REDCHURCH’s next exhibition is “Sons of the Stage”. A work of photographs by U.K. photographer James Fry, that focuses on a behind the stage look of British pop bands. The exhibition will start September 5th.

By Emily Kertcher

Emily Kertcher is a photographer and journalist. With a passion for Hamilton she seeks to visually capture the city and write about its experiences. emilykertcher.com

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EXPERIENCES

Permission to Succeed Persevering through difficulty, discrimination, sexism and inequality

was asked to write an article about my success in Hamilton. Initially, I felt so excited and grateful. Recent events in my work life and within the community at large have me reflecting on what success looks like for different people, what success looks like for me, and what it means to write this article. However, the more I thought about it, the more difficult it became to narrate this tale of being “successful” in Hamilton. Here I sit with my laptop contemplating whether or not to disclose the truth about my experiences or to cover up my set-backs and only focus on the good. The truth is, my professional journey has not been easy. In part because nothing in life is easy, but also because I’ve faced many obstacles, challenges and constraints. I’ve had to show up early and be the last to leave and I’ve worked my fingers to the very bone - only to be ignored and overlooked. I’ve had to insert myself in conversations where I felt unwelcome, and I’ve had to prove myself again, and again, and again. I’ve been scrutinized and excluded. And so many times I just wanted to give up.

But somehow, I’m here! I’m still here and I’m improving each and every day. I used to think that success was this instance of perfection. This moment somewhere in the future where you had your dream body and your dream job, a time and place where everyone respects you, with each day unfolding into this seamless montage of looking and feeling important and being rewarded for doing great work. I used to think success was the measure of all these outside things; a job, a salary, recognition, the way you look. When I sat down to write this I had to ask myself to think about all the times in my life where I felt the most successful; graduation, a new job, a promotion. When I thought of these examples I realized that they were not instances of perfection. Rather, they were all moments where I persevered through difficulty, and even discrimination, sexism, inequality and favouritism. Moments where my personal values, work ethic, integrity and savvy made me the victor in a tough situation. These are all big words and even bigger issues that I have often had to face in my daily work life through the cumulative impact of micro aggressions and sometimes plain old bad luck. It’s been hard.

But there is a silver lining. These experiences have forced me to redefine what success means for me. When I think about it, I’m so grateful that I’ve gone after and worked for the things I want in my life and within my career. I’ve pushed myself through degrees and diplomas, bootcamps, workshops and night classes to get the education and skills to advance myself. I didn’t allow anyone to stop me. Success for me is also being able to give back to your community. I’ve had many rewards and have met some of the most inspirational people along the way (through groups like HiveX and Hamilton Fempreneurs). People who have encouraged me, showed up for me and held me accountable to my goals. I’ve been volunteering for over ten years and have spent the past three years working with the Ladies Learning Code. It has been such a positive and influential part of my life. I’m not a type A personality, and I don’t always see a lot of women who look like me in the places I want to go. This used to discourage me. But over time, and with the support of the arts and tech community, my family, and the comradery of women entrepreneurs here in Hamilton I’ve learned to give myself permission. Permission to succeed, to go after what I want and be exactly who I am. If you are shy, be shy but don’t let it stop you from being heard. If you are nice, be nice but don’t let it stop you from asserting yourself. There will always be obstacles. But, you don’t have to change the core of who you are, give yourself room to make mistakes and start again. If you have a passion and you work hard, and you find happiness in the quality of your work, you will be happy always. This is what success looks like for me.

By Abena Asomaning

Abena Asomaning is a creative Designer & Web Developer working in both print and digital media. She is a Chapter Lead and Instructor for Ladies Learning Code, and an avid supporter of the arts and tech community. wyldbloom.ca & abenaasomaning.ca

Photo provided by ABENA Asomaning

JULY 2017 / THE WOMEN'S ISSUE

E x perience s

A Woman’s Journey from Syria to Hamilton Persistence, determination and the desire for more JANE ALLISON: Why Canada? Salma Omar: I love Canada from when I was a child. I like Canada. For the woman, it’s very good. I know a lot of people who come to Canada, Facebook friends. They say Canada is a dream, for everybody. Not easy to go. When I want to come here, when I make my papers to come here, everyone say ‘Canada is a dream, better try Germany. It’s so difficult to get to Canada.’ But I persist. JA: You said for women, Canada is the ideal. Why is that? SO: It is equal. I tell you, strong women in Canada. It reminds me to not stop, to keep going. When anything happen to me, it remind me, don’t stop. I figure out how to do another thing. The women I’ve met here show me I can do everything. When I see them be stronger, have power, I know I can’t stop, I can do my work.

Photo provided by SALMA OMAR

JA: You are a very strong Muslim woman. And not a typical one. SO: I am the oldest in the family. My mother always want the best for me, encouraged me to be the first in everything. Always be special.

It is the eyes that you notice first. Large and expressive, Salma Omar’s eyes draw you in with their soulful depth. This first impression is proven to be accurate as you speak with the wonderful woman to whom they belong.

I cannot marry traditional way - where one family comes for arranged marriage. I cannot do that. I was always asked, how will you marry? And I say, I don’t want that, I want to study. I know I will be better if I study what I want, medical, biology.

Salma Omar is Syrian and arrived in Hamilton in January 2016. Along with two friends - Aviva Boxer and Cheryl Stepan - I was lucky enough to be ‘matched’ with Salma through Wesley Urban Ministries, which sponsored her immigration to Canada. Salma was one of 1,500 Syrian refugees who settled in Hamilton in that time period. Daljit Garry, Rita Balla and other amazing folks at Wesley welcomed Salma and have helped her navigate the sometimes rocky ground of living in a new community. We have loved supporting her navigation into a new country and a new life. We quickly discovered that Salma was not shy, and her modest demeanour belied a fierce, loving heart and a shining intelligence. Salma is currently working in the child care program for the YMCA.

I always felt that there was something beyond what I knew. I can’t explain this. I just knew. Everyone around me said, why don’t you marry, have kids, take it easy? Why you didn’t do that? I tell them, I don’t want that. I want to live my own life, I don’t stop. JA: Painful times give you a special kind of knowledge. SO: Exactly. Once I know it, I can’t go back. I promise you, I will travel. If I stayed in Syria, I wouldn’t find myself.

Those eyes could tell stories. So let’s dive in.

[Salma began to study English, encouraged by her mentor Dr. Haissam Yazigi. He taught her an hour each day and helped her move to Lebanon to begin the immigration process.] I want to study that. I feel very happy. I want to study English; I feel that in my blood. He [Dr. Yazigi] give me a solution to what I was feeling. He wanted the best for me. [Salma spent three years in Lebanon, where she met Omar Matar, who is now her husband. Omar is with the armed forces and the next dream is for him to join his wife, here in Hamilton and forge their new life, together.] JA: When you met Omar, you resisted the relationship at first. Why is that? SO: I don’t want anyone at that time. We were friends. I tried to be far away from him because I know his heart was wide open. I know that if I was to marry, a lot of things would change for me, keep me from my dream. I don’t travel. He told me, I want you. I told him no, I want to go to Canada. I love you but I want to do this. He is very patient, he knows me inside. I want to be strong, even though I have lots of good feelings inside. Now I feel very happy to have him. JA: What was life like when you were first here in Canada? SO: The difficult thing for me at first was not everyone understood me when I spoke. It is so hard! It is so hard to be vulnerable. I tell myself, I will see Omar soon. So go do the work, Salma, please don’t stop. You know when you find your place? First, I want to be proud. Always. Why we live? We want to be better and better and better. Now I feel like I am challenged to be better. JA: You and Omar have now begun the long and costly process to have him come to Canada. SO: I wish he was with me now. I miss him a lot. I want to care about myself and my dreams. Omar encourages me to keep dreaming, live in Canada and he will come when he can. He knows that if I didn’t complete my life in Canada, I would have regret it all my life. Now, with Omar, we know what our future will look like. We are working towards that. JA: Last question. Why Hamilton?

By JANE ALLISON

Jane Allison is an award-winning community advocate and communications professional. She has just launched Dovetail Community, a firm devoted to counselling, connecting and mentoring organizations about community impact and development. @ janeallison24

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SO: When I was coming, they asked me what part of Canada I wanted. I said please put me next to the water, where I can speak English. And here I am. I love Hamilton. For the lake, for the people, for everything. I love it.

URBANICITY.CA

JULY 2017 / THE WOMEN'S ISSUE

# u R B A N I C I T Y E AT S

The Story of a Backwoods Mississippi Girl A true-blue Southern experience in Hamilton The reputation of Southern hospitality is renowned far and wide, but did you know you can get some of that famous Southern love just down the street? Mississippi Queen Foods serves up an authentic down-South experience in an intimate space that will remind you of the Ma and Pa shops you’ve seen on your travels through Dixie. A self-proclaimed “backwoods Mississippi girl”, Connie Rouble made her start with Mississippi Queen Foods in Toronto and the GTA 6 years ago. She didn’t see herself as a “restauranteur” or as someone who would enjoy the rigidity of restaurant life, but the popularity of her homemade dishes was keeping her busier and busier and the need to open a brick-and-mortar was clear. The rising prices of real estate in Toronto and the GTA (plus her own need to explore somewhere new) brought her westward to Hamilton two years ago, opening up the Mississippi Queen Foods restaurant in January 2016. Located on King Street East near Wentworth, the neighbourhood may not be where you would expect to find a trueblue Southern experience, but when you see the charming exterior and step foot inside the cozy space, you will know you’re in the right place. Filled top to bottom with ephemera from the South, inside the dining room it’s a mish-mash of vintage tables, chairs and table settings that will bring you back to meals at Grandma’s house (if she was Southern, of course!). Since her opening in 2016, the business has evolved greatly. Being a onewoman show, she found that catered events, farmers markets, private parties and the hectic king cake season were requiring her to close the restaurant. A day here, a day there … until she was only open two days a week as a restaurant, and privately for her busy Southern Supper events. Eventually, she made the decision to close up shop

Photos by HEATHER PETER

as a restaurant and stick to her prosperous - and much preferred - catering, private event and festival business. You may have heard about Connie’s Southern Supper events through Facebook, or just through the grapevine, but they are an experience to behold. During the events, around 20 people are seated in her small dining area at semicommunal tables with a small stage beside them. The menu is ever-changing, depending on what Connie decides to prepare for the evening and dishes are served out family-style during the musical display. Dishes on previous menus have included Catfish, Shrimp and Okra Gumbo, Blackened Chicken Fillets, Cornbread Muffins, and more! The service style and the snug space makes for good conversation and you can be sure you’ll leave with a new friend or two. Connie likes to call this “the magic” of the space. On the stage during the Southern Suppers, are performances from some of the top musicians in the jazz and blues industry. Bringing in a mixture of award-winning and high-calibre local and worldwide musicians, Connie has not only created an incredible experience for Hamiltonians, but she has also

established Mississippi Queen Foods as a hub for the music industry. The blues and jazz crowd in the city has been so appreciative of what she has brought to the table, that they even fundraised money for her to get her liquor license – bringing those Southern Supper events one step up.

Would you like to attend one of her Southern Supper events or inquire about a private party? Visit her website at http://mississippiqueenfoods. squarespace.com or her Facebook page ‘Mississippi Queen Foods’, where she lists all her events and the menu for the evening.

During the Summer months, Mississippi Queen Foods runs about 4 Southern Suppers per month. During the Fall, Spring, and Winter there are about 6 to 8 Supper events per month on Wednesday and Thursday nights. With the success of her evening parties, Connie plans to launch the Southern Suppers into a Southern Brunch concept, complete with excellent musicians and homemade (by Connie) Southern brunch Food.

We presume you'll be telling your friends about this experience for years to come.

Connie is a busy woman – managing everything involved in the business; from booking the bands, taking ticket orders, ordering ingredients for the events, setting up the décor, cooking all the food, doing all the shows and catering – but she still manages to make time to raise her daughter and bring something innovative to the city of Hamilton.

By HEATHER PETER

Heather Peter is a restaurant marketer, food industry graphic designer, writer, blogger & avid home-cook. When not out supporting the local food scene, Heather immerses herself into the culinary community. Beyond food, Heather loves tea, animals, & exploring Hamilton’s green spaces. @ hamontsmallfry

JULY 2017 / THE WOMEN'S ISSUE

Issues

Trans Rights are Human Rights – and a Women’s Issue Earlier this year, Hamilton joined a handful of Canadian cities in drafting its own policy on gender identity and gender expression to accommodate the needs of its transgender community. This policy has put Hamilton on the cutting edge of LGBTQ2 rights in Canada as it outlines how the city commits itself to providing a “safe, respectful, and inclusive environment” for all its community members. It took a human-rights complaint filed by a transgender woman to spur the policy into existence. Although negative experiences still occur, these two actions have hopefully begun the process of destigmatizing what is essentially a human right’s issue. Trans rights are human rights. Like many before them, the transgender and gender non-binary community has moved steadily forward with their plight for self-determination. It hasn’t always been an easy path.

A brief timeline In 2012 the Ontario Human Rights Code was amended thanks to Bill 33, also known as Toby’s Act or, the Right to be Free from Discrimination and Harassment because of Gender Identity and Gender Expression. That same year, an Ontario Human Rights tribunal case – XY v Ontario – reinforced the rights of trans people by removing the requirement that a trans person must undergo surgery in order to change genders on their birth certificate. This was an important step in defining “lived identity” for gender non-binary rights.

Ontario defined a gender identity and expression policy in 2014. This 62-page document encompasses bias, prejudice, transphobia, protections, rights, and the duty to accommodate. Toronto created guidelines for accommodating gender identity and gender expression in 2014.

Vancouver adopted a transgender policy in July 2016.

Hamilton’s transgender policy was passed unanimously by city council on March 8, 2017 – International Women’s Day. June 15, 2017 - the Canadian Government passed into law the protection of gender identity and expression into the Canadian Human Rights Code and the Criminal Code of Canada.

Hamilton’s policy is divided into two parts – community service guidelines, which determine how the City of Hamilton addresses gender identity and gender expression when it’s providing services to community members; and employee guidelines, which outlines how the City supports transgender employees.

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Issues

Councillor Aidan Johnson, who was instrumental in guiding the policy through to council approval, described the policy as “not perfect” but “an important stepping stone towards true justice in our city.” The policy gives the transgender community license to interact with the city without fear that they will be discriminated against based on their gender and provides city employees with the resources to safely navigate interactions with the non-binary community to provide good customer service to everyone. It’s another layer of protection that gives the gender non-binary community strength to build their case for self-determination and a place in society. Councillor Johnson also believes the policy is an economic benefit to the city. “Creative workers prefer to work in cosmopolitan environments where harassment is not tolerated.” With clearly defined guidelines, the city can also avoid future events like the human-rights complaint that served as the catalyst for the creation of the policy. “When a community spends money policing gender identities, that community has less tax money and less energy to grow the economy.” Councillor Johnson explains.

Some of the language is still too vague. But a yearly review should allow for that to be amended over time. In particular there was an issue that “lived identity” was removed from the definition of transgender and gender non-conforming and the policy does not define cissexism. Some have also argued that not enough time was given to read through it, digest, and give feedback on the policy before it was taken to council. The policy also doesn’t define what would happen for private spaces, only public, city-owned places. So, although it will be easier for a trans person to navigate public places like city-owned buildings, parks, transit depots, sports arenas, and bathrooms and change rooms, private businesses are left to create their own policies around transgender employees or customers, which can lead to situations such as the recent event in Toronto where a transwoman was denied access to a women’s-only clothing-optional spa. However, corporate responsibility is covered by the Ontario Policy. Businesses must “take steps to prevent and respond to violations of the Code or they may be held ‘liable,’” which could mean monetary penalties or court orders.

A study was conducted in Ontario of the trans community and some fascinating statistics came out of it. •

59% knew their gender did not match their body by the age of 10.

•

80% knew their gender did not match their body by 14.

•

1 in 5 trans people do not identify as male or female.

Trans gender people overwhelmingly face discrimination and violence because of their gender identity. Almost all trans people have experienced “everyday transphobia” – either hearing that trans people were not normal, being made fun of, or their family had experienced a hurtful remark or action. •

77% of trans people worry about aging as a trans person.

•

67% worry that they will die young.

How are trans rights a women’s issue? For one thing, cissexism is similar to heterosexism, the assumption that heterosexuality is better and “more normal” than homosexuality or trans sexuality. Gender non-conforming people often face similar acts of violence that cis gendered women

do. Transgender women are women, period. To reduce a woman to just her genitals places the same burden on the shoulders of trans gender women that feminists have been working to remove for over three centuries. Sexual violence, verbal and physical harassment, under-employment, lack of housing and health clinics are all historically issues that women have faced – and continue to face – themselves. During the council meeting prior to the policy vote, Gabriel Byrne, a transgender delegate from The Aids Network, pointed out that “recreation, housing and employment … can improve a person’s mental health and sense of belonging [in a community].” By addressing gender nonconformity and gender expression, the City has given the transgender community the opportunity to “be included in every aspect of municipal life,” as Cole Gately, Hamilton activist, educator, and co-organizer of the Hamilton Trans Health Coalition, says. How can the city go a step further? “As an educator I always [ask] what do you think is the most effective way of ending transphobia? Hire a transperson.” Employment and healthcare are two of the biggest areas where trans gender needs are still not met in Hamilton.

JULY 2017 / THE WOMEN'S ISSUE

Issues One of the few clinics that specializes in trans gender health is located in St. Catherine’s, and has a wait list of over a thousand people. But there may be hope on the horizon with the Hamilton Trans Health Coalition. Underemployment is a massive issue for the transgender community. Many activists that work hard to make sure transgender voices are heard do so without pay. Mr. Gately says, “when a business or an organization [hires a trans gender person] it says, hey, we’re an equitable employee.” By giving trans gender people a place, a voice in your organization it removes the need to “put up a poster” about transinclusivity. Despite a lack of cultural awareness, gender nonconformity has been documented for thousands of years. Evidence of transgender roles exists in ancient Rome, Jewish scripture, and in First Nations society. Yet, we live in a current cultural state that still wants to police people who do not wish to be placed into one category. Yet there are still those who argue today that gender non-conformity is a threat to society and to personal freedom of expression. For instance, the Christian

All photos provided by JEFF HAYWARD

Heritage Party was one of the first delegates to register to speak to council against the trans gender policy. Jim Enos, Hamilton CHP member, warned council that women need a “safe, intimate female space” to protect themselves from male predators. The same party organized a

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series of posters and flyers distributed to homes primarily on the escarpment with a picture of a man’s back. He’s facing a door with the word’s “Ladies Showers” on it. The poster reads: “Competing human rights… Where’s the justice?” It implies that transgender people are entering these spaces to cause harm. In reality, there’s no documented evidence of a transgender person committing a violent offense to anyone in a public space. Autumn Getty, one of the delegates to city council, says these arguments are “counter-feminist.” The washroom argument is brought up “because they’re trying to [make you] scared of something happening.” That fear is towards something happening to female children. “[The argument is that] little girls are more vulnerable than little boys. Part of my presentation to council was about what happens to boys. What happens to boys who play on hockey teams [or] do a variety of things that put them at risk for sexual abuse from older men? Nobody really cares or asks why. And you don’t really hear about it because most boys won’t talk about it. If we’re still concerned about these things why do we still let people play hockey? We can’t make our decisions based out of fear. [It] doesn’t mean that people shouldn’t have rights because someone chose to break the law.” There is, on the other hand, plenty of evidence that shows trans gender men and women have a high likelihood of being assaulted. “When a transwoman goes into a washroom, she’s the one who’s vulnerable,” Mr. Gately echoes. “The argument [that trans gender women may attack someone] foments fear and hatred.” American academic and social critic Camille Paglia considers it an “eccentricity” and rejects “state-sponsored coercion” that would dictate how a

person is to be referred to based on their “subjective feeling about it.” There is much work still to be done. Social change requires letting go of past assumptions so that we can live in a more inclusive society. Without acknowledging change, society remains at risk of stagnating and perpetuating the same injustices on any group of people who do not conform to a narrow set of binary characteristics created by a dominant cultural group. It’s about making space at the table for all members of society and acknowledging that they too have a voice that should be heard. And as women, it’s our duty to provide space at the table as we have demanded there be space made for us. At the Women’s March in Washington, D.C., just weeks before the transgender policy was universally approved in Hamilton, Janet Mocks, a trans woman declared herself “her sister’s keeper.” She said, “Our approach to freedom need not be identical but it must be intersectional and inclusive.” Women’s rights are trans rights are human rights. Together we struggle onward.

By OLGA KWAK

OLGA KWAK is a Hamilton-based writer and marketer. Her work has appeared in She Does the City, Torontoist, Toronto Star, The Genteel, and PRODUCT Magazine. She builds websites and writes from her office on Barton Street East. Visit www.olgakwak.com for more advice on doing the right thing online.

@ olgakwak

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IDEAS

YP Spotlight: Women Who Are Making an Impact in Hamilton Q: What advice would you give to female YPs looking to either start their own business or get ahead in the industry they're in?

From top, left to right: Alyssa Lai — Digital Marketing Coordinator, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation and Past Chair of Hamilton HIVE / Elizabeth Thorsen — Senior Events and Marketing Manager, Innovation Factory / Erin Dunham CEO, The Other Bird Inc. / May-Marie DuwaiSowa — Employment Equity Specialist, Human Resources Services Department, McMaster Hwang — Business University /Tammy Development Officer - Global Hamilton, City of Hamilton and Co-Founder/CEO, CoMotion Group Inc.

Hamilton is very fortunate to have so many dedicated and inspiring young professionals (YP) living and working in our city. These individuals are creating, contributing, and collaborating; they are making a change and, ultimately, a lasting impact. At Hamilton HIVE, we recognize that young professionals are a crucial part of Hamilton’s ever-changing landscape. We admire them for their continual efforts and believe they deserve recognition for this. We spotlight a different YP each month so Hamilton can celebrate with us. In honour of this women’s issue, we are spotlighting a few females in the HIVE community to share their advice and experiences.

alyssa: Do your research and be deliberate when talking to people and seeking assistance. Asking thoughtful questions and knowing what your goals are will help you narrow your focus and decide what you need in order to thrive in your profession. Most importantly, be genuine. When you are making new connections, focus on learning and understanding without passing judgment. Build your own personal database of contacts and make notes of the people that you have met. It could be their personal stories, hobbies or the intricacies of their job – whatever it is, remember that relationship-building takes time, effort and sincerity.

the appropriate skills, knowledge and information necessary to position yourself for success. tammy: Starting a business is really about finding a problem that you're passionate about solving. Sometimes you'll know exactly how to solve that problem, and other times you're not so sure, but if you're passionate about the problem, solutions will come to you. Then it's about finding the motivation to continue to solve that problem every day. Eventually you'll be the expert problem solver, for that particular problem, which will set you apart from the competition. Q: What's your favourite personal/ professional development book - the go-to that you always recommend to other YP ladies? al: Our Turn by Kirstine Stewart

elizabeth: Take advantage of every opportunity to sell yourself. I work with entrepreneurs for a living, and I notice a lot of gender-based differences in how male vs. female entrepreneurs approach things like validating their business ideas, asking for guidance and mentorship, sales, and funding. Be assertive! Take every chance you get to ask for help, introductions to potential supporters or customers, and make sure you present yourself as an expert in your field.

eT: Grit by Angela Duckworth

erin: My advice is always the same to all YPs looking to start their own business. Dive in and take the chance to start up your own business, the worst thing that could happen is that you'll fail, and that's okay. Every failure is just a lesson learned for the next business. Just do it.

al: It took me awhile to fully understand what I am capable of doing in a set time frame. This means having a clear expectation of how much exactly I can take on and whether I can deliver the work successfully. It was (and still is) a humbling experience, as I learn to manage my energy level, time and effort, recognizing that I cannot do it all. I’ve learned to flow between work and play, with no set restrictions or hours on both, but always striving to remain grounded. The formula that

mary-marie: Research trends, best practices and growth potential of the business or industry you wish to pursue, so you can acquire

eD: Start With Why and Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek mD-S: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey tH: Lovemarks by Kevin Roberts Q: What is the biggest hurdle you've had to overcome in your career and how did you overcome it?

works for me: reflect, exercise, work hard, enjoy life and sleep well. eT: The biggest hurdle was getting out of the mindset that if I work hard, people will notice and I’ll be rewarded. I thought my performance would speak for itself and I used to get frustrated when I wasn’t progressing in my career as quickly as I would have liked. With a bit more experience professionally – and some strong mentorship by an incredible woman who is my business idol – I learned to shift my mindset and ask for what I want. Your boss isn’t going to promote you just because you deserve it, even if you’re the best person at the job. You need to ask for what you want and back it up with facts and actions that support your case. eD: The biggest hurdle for me in my career was trying to care as much about my personal life and health as I do about work. Trying to find balance in life when your job is your baby is hard to do. The only way to overcome it (which is still a work in progress) is to force it and trust the people who work with me. mD-S: The biggest hurdle I face is maintaining a work life balance and taking time to relax and rejuvenate. Now I try to be very intentional in the projects I undertake and make sure to really carve out time for myself and my family. Especially because I find my passion and energy waning over time if I don't stop and self-reflect on a regular basis. tH: Being proud and calling myself a generalist. So many people nowadays feel like they have to go to school to get additional schooling and become an "expert" in something in order to be employable. I almost fell into that trap until I found out that I’m super valuable in my experiences, my network, and trusting my abilities. Don't discount your previous experience – acknowledge that all your experience has made you who you are today and you have transferable skills to bring to the table that can help build businesses and success in organizations.

By Hamilton HIVE HIVE is a not-for-profit organization that serves as Hamilton’s go-to resource and network for emerging leaders and Young Professionals.

@ hamiltonHIVE

JULY 2017 / THE WOMEN'S ISSUE

IDEAS

10 Fempreneurs to Watch Women helping women to succeed

Photo by SUZANNE ZANDBERGEN

Erica Guido

Erika MacKay

Erica started Blend Catering with the idea of eventually creating a line of healthy gourmet meals to go for busy families, but her cuisine quickly became in such demand that she launched this service immediately. She also specializes in corporate drop-off meals using local and seasonal ingredients.

Owner and principle designer for Niche for design, Erika recently started Hamilton Office Pro, an office supply and furniture business. The second business was a natural fit and gives opportunity to pass on great prices on office furniture and accessories to design clients.

Veronica Duman

When you're looking for a review on a new local restaurant, Hamilton Small Fries is your go-to blog. Heather Peter knows food, and her photography always does it justice. She's also an excellent graphic designer, and one of those powerhouses behind The Inlet.

Dyer

Dilek

This pair of fempreneurs is so dynamic as a duo, they had to be listed together. They've combined their design and marketing talents to create one fabulous branding studio called Dyer and Duman. They've recently expanded and opened up shop in a gorgeous main-floor office in the Lister Block. Watch for their upcoming seminars in this space.

Women are one of the fastest growing groups of entrepreneurs, and in Hamilton there is a strong community of women supporting each other's business ventures, propelling them quickly forward. In 2015, the Hamilton Fempreneurs group started as a small Facebook group with monthly meetups, and has grown to over 850 members. Here are just a few to watch for: Kate Moverley

Kate is famous around Hamilton for creating beautiful scents wherever she goes. She's the owner and maker of Crown Point Candles, made with sustainable crop EcoSoya wax and essential oils. Watch for interesting partnerships like Risky Business 80's Night at the Casbah, scented with Kate's beautiful candles.

Alicia Thoms Creator of Soul Sessions, Alicia has now started Just Do You Boo, a company that helps you "hone in on your own superpowers and passions to create a soulful business that slays the world!" Alicia's own superpowers include connecting people and helping budding entrepreneurs make their dream business come true. Kristin Archer Creator of the I Heart Hamilton blog and radio show, Kristin is well known for supporting local artists, musicians and small businesses through blog posts and social media promotion. Check out her latest venture, a blog called The Inlet, a powerhouse of Hamilton's finest bloggers joining forces to cover arts and culture in Hamilton.

Heather Peter

Katie Cyr If loose leaf tea is your thing, get to know Katie and her company Monarch Tea Co. Katie creates her own blends which are available in many shops around Hamilton including The Bumblebean in Westdale, Burlap and Twine on James North, and Canoe on Locke. Joanne Pettit-Myers A recent transplant to Hamilton, Joanne has networked furiously, gathered friends and supporters, joined the coworking community at CoMotion 302, and is opening a new yoga studio in Dundas called Bend Yoga Studio watch for it this month. Brigitte Soares Brigitte's infectious laughter immediately puts you at ease at what should be a dry tax consultation appointment with her business Apostrophe Accounting. She quickly assesses your situation with her wealth of tax knowledge, and confidently gives her recommendations to ensure your business is set up most efficiently for tax purposes.

By Suzanne Zandbergen

Co-Founder of the Hamilton Fempreneurs with Alicia Thoms and Erika MacKay. Suzanne is the owner of The Generator, a company that provides social media content creation including photography and video for businesses and organizations. She is a huge supporter of local small business, community events, and anyone working to propel Hamilton forward. @TheGeneratorCA

6 Week Summer Session Starting July 27th, Thursday Nights From 7:00 - 8:00 To Register Email: info@elysiumtribal.com

ElysiumTribal.com

ART GALLERY OF HAMILTON WHAT’S ON IN JULY

LOVE YOUR LANDSCAPE AGH Annual Family Picnic Sunday, July 30, 12 pm - 3:30 pm Irving Zucker Sculpture Garden at the AGH

The Canadian landscape has played an integral role in our artistic, cultural and collective identity. Explore the many representations and traditions associated with the land through hands-on art-making, family-friendly performances, demonstrations and special guest presenters. A free BBQ lunch will be served, while quantities last.

FREE ADMISSION! Rain or Shine

Presented by

Community Partners

ON VIEW | JOSEPH HARTMAN: THE ARTIST’S STUDIO | SELF MADE: STYLO STARR’S 89 DAMES | CARVING HOME: THE CHEDOKE COLLECTION OF INUIT ART | BEHIND THE SCENE: THE 19TH-CENTURY STUDIO REIMAGINED | KENOJUAK ASHEVAK & TIM PITSIULAK: DRAWING LIFE | BARRY POTTLE: THE AWARENESS SERIES | CENTRAL ONTARIO ART ASSOCIATION: ARTISTIC MEANDERINGS |NATURE AND MAN REVEALED: THE MR. AND MRS. H.J.M. WATSON COLLECTION OF BRITISH DRAWINGS | COLLECTION CLASSICS | EVOLUTION OF FORM: 150 YEARS OF SCULPTURE FROM THE COLLECTION | STAGING ABSTRACTION: PAINTINGS FROM THE COLLECTION | KIM ADAMS: BRUEGEL-BOSCH BUS AGH ilovefilm series

Friday, July 28 at 3 pm | Saturday, July 29 at 7 pm | CÉZANNE ET MOI Dir. Daniele Thompson, France, 2016, French w/English Subtitles, Rated 14A This historical drama traces the lifelong friendship between two renowned 19th-century French artists – painter Paul Cézanne and writer Emile Zola – from their first meeting as schoolmates to their creative rivalry as fame and success continue to elude Cézanne. Friday, July 28 at 6 pm | Saturday, July 29 at 2 pm | MAUDIE Dir. Aisling Walsh, Canada/Ireland, 2016, Rated PG Academy Award nominees Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke star in the true story of Maud Lewis, who overcame the physical challenge of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis to become one of Canada’s premier folk artists. AGH Senior Curator Tobi Bruce will discuss the life and work of Maud Lewis prior to the Friday, 6 pm screening.

Saturday, July 29 at 5 pm | KEDI Dir. Ceyda Torun, Turkey, 2016, Rated G Hundreds of thousands of Turkish cats roam the metropolis of Istanbul freely. For thousands of years they’ve wandered in and out of people’s lives, becoming an essential part of the communities that make the city so rich. Claiming no owners, the cats of Istanbul live between two worlds, neither wild nor tame – and they bring joy and purpose to those people they choose to adopt. In Istanbul, cats are the mirrors to the people, allowing them to reflect on their lives in ways nothing else could. All screenings at the Lincoln Alexander Centre, 160 King St. East Tickets: AGH Members $8 | General Admission $10 Thursday, August 3 at 7 pm | CAMP AGH The return of last year’s successful EMERGE arts and social event in which a whole summer camp experience is condensed into a single evening event. Games, crafts, singalongs, local food and drink vendors and a DJ to keep things lively. Tickets: General $20 | AGH Members $15 | EMERGE Members $10

What are your kids doing this summer? Visit artgalleryofhamilton.com for AGH SUMMER Camp info!

123 King Street West, downtown Hamilton L8P 4S8 905.527.6610 www.artgalleryofhamilton.com

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2017-06-23 12:01 PM

URBANICITY.CA

E x perience s

No Dick Pics Please…A Preview! Exploring the fascinating world of online dating

Photo provided by ROBIN ZEE

The talent that brought the awardwinning Borderline Me to the Hamilton Fringe Festival is back with a new production directed by Gary Santucci called No Dick Pics Please. Robin Zee's previous play was an autobiographical piece that explored her history with mental health issues, human trafficking, late motherhood, and a whirlwind of other issues. Her latest piece is the follow-up and catches us up-to-date with Robin. Since we last saw her, she has decided not to sell her house, her daughter is off to university, and she has started to explore the fascinating world of online dating. As she has noticed, she's getting a lot of “colourful” pictures. “Courtship isn't the way I perceived it nor is it the way that I want it to be. So it's a comedy,” says Robin Zee. “I think that maybe they don't realize

the reaction they're going to get (when they send these pictures). It's like they have this tool and they're proud of it. It's kind of like when my cat brings in a dead mouse and puts it at my feet. I don't want to touch it.” In many ways, the play reflects on the day-to-day realities of navigating today's online dating world and the challenges that come up especially when considering she is menopausal. “I'm learning how to date in my 50s, and now I'm 60,” she explains. “And I STILL haven't figured this thing out.” She explains that as she gets older, she has less time to deal with nonsense. That being indicated, there is an odd tension in the online dating world as you are basically flipping through a catalogue and no one is ever what you imagine, and you are also kind of left with this feeling of abundance. There

are clearly thousands of options so on the one hand, you want to explore the idea of true romance but on the other hand, you can also feel like a sevenminute date might just be enough of a screening process. “Ummm. This isn't going to work.”

For show times and more information on this touching and comedic fringe play which starts its run July 20th at b Contemporary on James North, visit www.hamiltonfringe.ca

Also this month, Robin Zee will be appearing in a local music video by This Mad Desire for the song Operators Are Standing By (filmed at Digital Canaries). Robin plays the female President of the United States of America. No Dick Pics Please would appeal to anyone dealing with the day-to-day realities of navigating today’s online dating world. It also appeals to people who live with mental health issues and those who love them and anyone with a sense of humour about life and its strange twists and turns.

By Victoria Somers

Victoria Somers is a Hamilton-based fashion designer who has been involved with local fashion events including Hamilton Fashion Week and Hammer Style Fashion Show. She has also done costume and wardrobe in local film productions. @ fabrikki

JULY 2017 / THE WOMEN'S ISSUE

E x perience s

Riding the Rode of Persistence Breaking down barriers, assumptions and preconceived notions I love when men see my bike and assume it belongs to my partner and watching them backpedal. I love challenging perceptions when people say, “but you don’t look like a biker!” Even down to the bike I own, “That doesn’t seem like the bike I thought you’d have. Why do you have a cruiser instead of a sport bike?”

Photo by Kevin Eisbrenner

Motorcycles: is there any other word quite like it to invoke an image of effortless cool, danger, sex appeal, daring… The list goes on. I remember being a little girl, we had a horse farm in those days and someone came onto our property on a motorcycle without warning or invitation. They were friends of my stepfather. The noise from the engine revving scared the hell out of the horses and infuriated my mother. I learnt my mother’s opinion of uninvited guests and motorcycles that day. But in spite of my mother’s prejudices against motorcycles, something had me hooked from that day. As I grew older motorcycles never lost their appeal. To me, motorcycles were cool, and I wanted to be that cool. It wasn’t until I was 27 that the dream of having my own motorcycle became a reality. It certainly wasn’t an easy road, first I had to overcome the stigma of having a motorcycle, that I’d become an organ donor, that bikes were for men, that they were dangerous. Not to mention the money they cost! Working three jobs in Toronto still didn’t give me any money left over to save up for one. Then I moved in with my partner, in Hamilton and suddenly the financial burden was eased. But that turned out to be one of the easier obstacles in my journey to getting on two wheels. Everything from not thinking through combining getting my G1 and M1 license at the same time, failing the

written exam twice, buying a motorcycle without trying it first or before I even had my license, spending way too much money on my first bike and winding up with a lemon, having to have my partner co-sign for the loan, breaking my elbow before taking the motorcycle course, popping a double wheelie and laying down the bike the first day of the course, and paying through the nose for insurance. It was one of the biggest and most frustrating endeavours I had undertaken at that point in my life, almost surpassing moving back to Canada, and watching my mum die of cancer a year later. But this journey was one of my own doing and I often questioned my sanity and abilities. I’d be incredibly selfish if I didn’t credit my partner Kevin for supporting me every step of the way. I remember in my motorcycle course I was one of three women. The other two women were there taking the course with their husbands. I was the odd woman out on that one. It’s a lot more common for wives and girlfriends to get a bike because of their male partners, when in fact, my partner got his motorcycle because of me! As a female motorcyclist, the thing I am most proud of, is the empowerment. I tackled something that is still considered to be a very male hobby and I didn't give up. On my journey, I noticed that most of the motorcycling community is supportive of female riders. On the outside of it [the motorcyle community] is where I seem to encounter degrees of sexism.

When I first got involved in all of this, I felt like an outsider, a poser trying to be something I wasn’t. I remember an old boyfriend telling me off when I would salute a biker on the road. I apparently had no right saluting other bikers, pretending I was something I wasn’t. I don’t think I need to tell you what I feel now, every time I give the “secret bikers wave” whenever I see one while riding. I’ve joined that special club of women and men

who choose to live life by their own rules. Who have done something other than what they’ve been told they could or couldn’t do. Breaking down barriers and assumptions, and boxes and foolish preconceived notions. I’ve accepted myself, regardless what others think. Turns out its true, you can do anything in Hamilton!

By Erika Wagner

Writer, photographer, motorcyclist, aspiring sax player. When this Hamilton transplant isn’t kicking it as Community Manager at CoMotion 302. She can be found working on her newly acquired vintage Goldwings, or sipping on a bevvy with her sweetheart Kevin on the front porch after a rip around on the bikes.

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Issues

Are freckles a fault? Ignoring societal pressures to look a certain way and embracing beauty I remember when I was an aesthetician many years ago and I went to a fancy spa for a special event. They had a sales rep from their equally as fancy skin care line giving one on one consultations. Naturally I was very thrilled about this. I will never forget that experience. The first thing she told me was, "you need to use this serum to help with the issue of your freckles," I was dumb founded. I decided several things then and there. My freckles are not a problem. Some people are twits and I will never make women feel bad about themselves.

I am a feminist. The culture of beauty is an interesting one to me. The societal pressure to look a certain way can be detrimental and stifling. However, we cannot confuse this pressure with the importance of selfcare. Taking care of your skin or getting a manicure does not mean you buy into this culture.

I must thank that sales rep from many years ago. She helped me get out of my head. Freckles are not a fault. Neither are the wrinkles around your eyes that you get when you smile (and while weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at it, everybody's feet look weird). This realization has served me well. Especially since now I am basically one giant freckle.

Interestingly, there is a flip side to this. As ideals become more unrealistic, so does the feeling of guilt when doing something for oneself aesthetically. I often hear women express worry and negative thoughts about making time for themselves. Having the tools to care for yourself so you can look and feel good is empowering. Taking ownership over your body, whether it's having the knowledge to treat your acne or express yourself in public, is positive. Confidence allows you to take care of others better. We can get out of our heads and focus on the things happening around us.

By Alexis Fletcher

Alexis Fletcher has an unwavering commitment to her community, as well as a dedication to making the world a happier and healthier place. It has always been her intention to uplift women; mind, body and soul. She does this through her education, volunteer work and environmentally sustainable endeavors. @ kabukiskin

JULY 2017 / THE WOMEN'S ISSUE

Game s

STEVEDOKU *A n s w e r s o n P a g e 8

Puzzle 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.54)

Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.45)

PUZZLE 1 LEVEL: EASY

7 4

1 4

8 6

1 1

PUZZLE 3 LEVEL: HARD

9 6

1 6

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Sun Jul 2 13:27:04 2017 GMT. Enjoy!

The Hoarder House Specialist

1 7

3 4

5 1

7 5

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Sun Jul 2 13:27:10 2017 GMT. Enjoy!

BEFORE

THEHOUSEPURGER.COM

2 6

7 9

1 6

3 9

Puzzle 1 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.71)

PUZZLE 2 LEVEL: MEDIUM

7 8

3 9

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Sun Jul 2 13:27:15 2017 GMT. Enjoy!

Downtown Dundas

Business Improvement Area downtowndundas.ca

hamilton_fringe_ad_urbanicity10.25X14in.indd 1

2017-06-19 17:08