Challenging Normalcy – QT2SSBIPOC Neurodivergent Worldviews

About Sex Salon:

The Sex Salon is a monthly speakers series organized and hosted by graduate students from the Mark S. Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies, and meets on the last Wednesday of every month from 6:00 - 8:00 PM EST.

Facilitators:

Dani Kriatura, (They/Them) Co-Facilitator/Multisensory Artist

Siva Thangesway Sivarajad (He/Him) Co-Facilitator/OISE BIPOC Thesis Group Coordinator

Event Description:

Join us and the OISE BIPOC Thesis Group for our roundtable storytelling and artmaking gathering as we come together to explore the shifting landscapes of our identities as neurodivergent QT2SSBIPOC individuals. Through storytelling and artmaking, we will reflect on how the recognition, confirmation, and acceptance of our neurodivergence as late-diagnosed (medically or self-diagnosed) adults—has shaped the way we see ourselves and the world around us. This journey is not linear, nor monolithic; it is woven with threads of joy, grief, and vindication as we explore our ways of being as QT2SBIPOC neurodivergent beings.
Together, we will explore how this deepened understanding of our neurodivergence transforms our experiences of Queerness, Transness, and Two-Spiritness, and how it alters the way we access and move through QT2S communities.
As multisensory and Thinai storytellers, our storytelling practice blends oral, written, visual, textual, and movement-based expressions. This space will invite various forms of storytelling, embracing the richness of different modes of expression. Attendees will engage in zine-making to center QT2SBIPOC neurodiverse embodied knowledge production.
This event, a closed space for QT2SSBIPOC neurodivergent individuals (medically or self-diagnosed), offers a space for sharing, creating, and reflecting in community, honoring the complexities of our lived experiences. The event is affiliated with the OISE BIPOC Thesis Group.
Topic & Themes:

The gathering focuses on the intersections of neurodivergence, Queerness, Transness, and Two-Spiritness in the lives of QT2SBIPOC individuals. Themes include the personal and communal impact of late-diagnosis, identity exploration, and embodied knowledge production through artistic and oral storytelling.
Activities:

Attendees will engage in a multisensory storytelling and zine-making workshop, blending oral, written, visual, and movement-based expressions to create a collective art piece. The workshop will include reflective writing prompts designed to help participants explore and express their personal experiences related to the theme of the gathering. These prompts will encourage deeper reflection on neurodivergence and its impact on their identities as QT2SBIPOC individuals, fostering meaningful connections and insights.

OISE BIPOC Thesis Group:

is a peer-based student-run OISE-wide thesis support group specifically for Black, Indigenous, and Ph.D. students of colour (BIPOC) conducting research in decolonial, anti-colonial, anti-racist, disability justice, disability studies, Queer and Trans studies, Indigenous studies, Black feminist thought, and related fields. This group is intended to collectively create an affirming environment where BIPOC students can collaborate, exchange ideas (ex: receive chapter feedback), and receive mutual support throughout our academic journey.

Location Details:

The location of this event is room UC240 located at University College (15 King's College Circle). The closest entrance is on the left side of Hart House Circle if you are walking north from King's College circle. We will have volunteers at the main staircase on the first floor.

Accessibility Information

Please let us know of any access needs at [email protected]

Wheelchair Access
The venue is wheelchair accessible. The main University College building currently features two accessible entrances on the north and south sides of the building. Site map can be viewed here.

Washroom Access
There are two all-gender bathrooms located on the same floor as the event room.

Food
Light refreshments will be provided. If you have specific dietary needs or snack requests, please let us know in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate.

ASL Interpretation
ASL interpretation can be arranged upon request. Please notify us at least one week in advance if you require this service

Low Sensory Space
For attendees needing a low sensory environment, we will have a designated low sensory space available down the hall in room UC253.

Host or Publisher Sex Salon Event Series