You are warmly invited to join us for the opening of the “Middle Eastern and North African Trans Photovoice Art Exhibit: Stories of Resilience & Be/Longing”, a community-based art showcase capturing the lived experiences, challenges, and triumphs of transgender and gender-diverse newcomers from the Middle East and North Africa living in Ontario.
📍 Venue: Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA) – 4th Floor, 163 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
📅 Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
This exhibit is part of the YSMENA Trans Photovoice Project, a participatory arts-based research initiative funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and led by Western University, in collaboration with community partners across Ontario. Through photography, reflection, and co-created artworks, participants have transformed their personal stories into powerful visual narratives illuminating themes of identity, resilience, belonging, and hope.
Please RSVP to attend the event by Monday, November 24, using the link below: https://forms.office.com/r/PU4hBWb9jE
The evening will feature:
• A community exhibit of participant photo-stories and collective artworks
• Documentary excerpts showcasing the creative process and participant voices
• Remarks from the research and community teams
This event celebrates collaboration, healing, and visibility, fostering dialogue on culturally responsive sexual and mental health services for Middle Eastern and North African trans and gender-diverse newcomer youth.