Sexuality, Queerness and Disability

Are you interested in learning more about the experiences of fellow queer folks who live with disabilities? Do you want to learn more about addressing ableism within our communities?

Please join us for this interactive panel discussion on Thursday, July 22nd from 7-8:30 PM, as we discuss the ways in which living at the intersection of queerness and disability shapes the lives of our guest speakers, and how their work centres those who are disabled within our communities.

The evening will be a facilitated panel discussion, with an opportunity for audience members to ask questions, as needed. Please note: Anyone who requires any accommodations related to viewing or participating in the event are encouraged to reach out to Greg Owens at gowens@hivaidsconnection.ca or 226-376-5544 in order to arrange accordingly.

About the Speakers

Andrew Gurza

Andrew Gurza is an award winning Disability Awareness Consultant and the Chief Disability Officer and Co-founder of Handi, a sex toy company that puts pleasure within reach for disabled people. Andrew uses they/he pronouns and identifies proudly as disabled. Their work has been featured on BBC, CBC, Daily Xtra, Gay Times UK, Huffington Post, The Advocate, Everyday Feminism, Mashable, Out.com, and several anthologies. He was the subject of an award winning National Film Board of Canada Documentary “Picture This”. Andrew has guested on a number of podcasts including Dan Savage’s Savage Love and Cameron Esposito’s Queery. He has spoken all over the world on sex, disability and what it means to be a Queer Cripple.

He is also the host of Disability After Dark: The Podcast Shining a Bright Light on Disability Stories which was nominated for a Canadian Podcast Award, a Queerty Award and was chosen as an Honoree at the 2020 Webby Awards. The show is available on all platforms. Andrew is also the creator of the viral hashtag #DisabledPeopleAreHot. You can find out more about Andrew by going to andrewgurza.com and connecting via social media @andrewgurza_

Daniella Noël

Daniella Noël has devoted her life’s work towards queer advocacy and empowerment of marginalized and harmed communities. She splits her work between youth-oriented sexuality programming and tackling systemic oppression and harm in the workplace. Her advocacy work has allowed her to provide support, through community development, to those who have been othered in their respective communities. As a Sex Educator, she has facilitated hundreds of workshops across Canada, empowering youth to own their unique sexual and asexual identities.

Kate Welsh

Kate Welsh is a queer, disabled artist, community activist and educator. Their work focuses on the impacts of ableism and oppression on mental health. Kate is currently a disability affirming mental health counselor and facilitates workshops on a variety of topics. Check out katewelsh.ca for more info.