Dispelling Homophobia

Guest Speakers

Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah

Debbie is a Black feminist with over 8 years of local and international advocacy experience in a variety of roles ranging from programming and counselling to policy analysis and project management. She is the new Executive Director at the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD).

She has had the pleasure of bridging her passion for social justice with international development at Oxfam Canada and volunteering with feminist organizations like the Ottawa Dyke March, Harmony House Women’s Shelter, and Planned Parenthood Ottawa.

When Debbie isn’t yelling into a megaphone at protests or organizing events, she’s probably on a field somewhere playing rugby. Or baking a cake.

Tyler Boyce

Tyler is a Kenyan and Somali Black queer public policy professional and community organizer with nine years of advocacy and leadership experience and a deep grounding in social justice, particularly as it is informed by Black queer feminist thought. He is also an avid hiker and is currently the executive director of the enchanté network, which is a national network connecting and supporting over 160 pride centres and 2SLGBTQ+ service providers across Canada.

Tyler’s leadership expertise and ability to deploy public policy knowledge to affect change is strengthened by his professional experiences with the Black Gay Men’s Network of Ontario, Turner Consulting Group Inc. and the Department of Canadian Heritage, but it is his steadfast commitment to community that most informs his vision.

About this event

The Afro-Caribbean Mentorship Program (ACMP), in partnership with the Royal Bank of Canada, continues its thought-provoking, Changing the Narrative. This follow-up event will provide a safe space for critical reflection and discussion that seeks to dispel homophobia toward our African Caribbean Black (ACB) LGBTQ2+ community members. This event not only recognizes that African descent LGBTQ2+ community members do experience a sense of un-belonging within academia but in our broader Canadian communities.

The ACMP encourages audiences to receive two amazing keynote addresses from Tyler Boyce and Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah. Both speakers will provide solutions and encourage a deep conversation on how we can build and sustain a relationship of solidarity among all ACB community members, but with a focus on dispelling African descent homophobia. This will be followed by a Q&A session which will encourage audience members to challenge their preconceived notions, while learning the dangers of homophobia. The Changing the Narrative event will be offering a space for ACB LGBTQ2+ folks to discuss their experiences as well as a wider conversation on the homophobia that exists within the ACB community. Our goal is to foster an inclusive and safe space for students, professional and community members from all walks of life to communicate, learn, and discuss.

Due to COVID-19, this year, ACMP and the Royal Bank of Canada will be holding a FREE event on Zoom to accommodate a broader audience.

Incentives: Giveaway
ACMP will be giving away prizes from a local LGBTQ2+ shop.

Date: November 3rd, 2021
Time: 6-8pm
Location: Zoom

Although this is event is being held at Carleton University, this event is open to all members of the public. The Changing the Narrative event is suited for all individuals of different races/ethnicities, genders, and social classes who positively add their thoughts and opinions to the discussion.

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