Strategies for Resistance Through Queer and Trans Joy and Solidarity

This theme for Pride Week 2026 is Queer Realities. Exploring the duality of joy and rage in the modern queer experience by asking, “What does it mean to be queer in the here and now?” The answer is as varied as those who inhabit our communities, and the potential is endless.  

Trans communities continue to face government-sanctioned violence, systematic scaling-back of human rights, and societal oppression. Despite these sociopolitical and environmental threats, trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse people continue to resist, organize, and mobilize efforts to fight injustice while preserving trans joy.

We have invited members of the trans community to discuss how can we resist, thrive, honor joy, and build meaningful community in the present moment. 

All are welcome. ASL upon request. 

Moderators: 

• Taymy Caso (they/she) Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Alberta and Director of the Intersectional Research, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Community Health Promotion (IREACH) Lab.
• Alessio Ponzio (he/him) Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity at MacEwan University.

Presenters: 

• Florence Ashley (they/them) is a transfeminine jurist and bioethicist working as an Assistant Professor at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law and John Dossetor Health Ethics Centre.
• Alex Marshall (she/her) is the Strategic Initiatives Officer for the College of Health Sciences at the University of Alberta.
• Cheyenne Mihko Kihêw (they/them) is a Two-Spirit Indigi-queer artist and cultural worker from amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). They are a drag performer and former Director of E2S.
• Danielle Peers (they/them) researchers and teaches about intersectional disability justice in sport, recreation and social movements in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta. They also serve as the Academic Lead for Disability, Cultures and Access at the UofA.
• Mickey Wilson (he/him) is a queer and trans activist, ecumenically ordained minister, and municipal councillor. He serves on the ministry team at Garneau-MacDougall United Church and chairs the Northern Spirit Regional Affirm Committee.

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Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Time: 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Location: Room 7-146, MacEwan University (in main MacEwan clock tower building)
Map of interior Building 7: https://www.macewan.ca/c/documents/building_7_map.pdf
Map of MacEwan parking (please note there is LRT and building construction in the area): https://www.macewan.ca/campus-life/parking-transportation/