Reunions…Magical!

This past July, I attended the UWPIAA Annual Alumni Week in Limerick, Ireland. I was excited to attend this week-long event but was not sure what to expect, having attended only the fifth and tenth reunion of my own cast (’91 B). This reunion in Limerick was actually our thirty-fifth reunion. Time flies! Of course, our cast was just one of many that were in attendance. I felt like I was swimming in a sea of people or more accurately a sea of people, positivity, and possibility.

The new format of an extended week-long experience was amazing. It enabled everyone to engage more fully in the planned activities and allowed time to socialize with others in a relaxed way.

A reunion is indeed what you make it. For me, it was most joyful to simply sit with friends, tell old stories and create new experiences together. At a reunion, you are surrounded by incredibly creative people who inspire you to do great things in the world. It is not surprising that a highlight for me was being present at the awards ceremonies. What a wonderful feeling to be part of these special tributes given to those leading the way!

I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout-out to fellow cast member Doris Acevedo. I nominated her for the James E. MacLennan Everyday Hero Award. She won and was consequently honoured and celebrated in Limerick. I want to include one of the pieces here that formed part of the nomination package for her.

Additionally, the kitchen she operates in Oaxaca, Mexico that feeds the needy also accepts donations. Comment below if you would like any additional information.

Of course, the reunion provided chances to sing and dance along with opportunities for sightseeing and parties. It included a solemn memorial tribute to those that have passed. A variety of workshops presented rounded out the program nicely. Thank you to the alumni association for making these reunions possible. Everyone gave countless volunteer hours to make this a huge success. Kudos and appreciation to all volunteers.

In Limerick, the schedule was tight but near the end of the reunion, there was a chance for me to organize an affinity group meetup. I wanted to get the 2SLGBTQIA+ community together, whoever was interested, to meet each other, introduce ourselves, and to discuss our experiences during our year of travel with Up with People. Additionally, I wanted to have honest and open discussions about human rights in the countries we represented. Jeff and Marisa from the Board of Governors helped to make this meeting happen.

First, let me share what the acronym 2SLGBTQIA+ means for those who may be unfamiliar. (from canada.ca)

The Order and Meaning
The letters in the Canadian acronym follow a specific order to honor Indigenous history and include diverse identities:

• 2S (Two-Spirit): Placed at the front to recognize Indigenous Two-Spirit people as the first sexual and gender-diverse communities in North America.
• L (Lesbian): Women or non-binary individuals who are attracted to women.
• G (Gay): Individuals attracted to people of the same gender.
• B (Bisexual): People attracted to more than one gender.
• T (Transgender): People whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
• Q (Queer): An umbrella term for people who are not heterosexual or cisgender.
• I (Intersex): People born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that does not fit typical definitions of male or female.
• A (Allies): Heterosexual people who stand beside and support those in the gay community.
• + (Plus): Inclusive of all other sexual and gender-diverse identities.

The meetup was very important for many reasons. It simply allowed for connection, validation of feelings, past and present, as well as the sharing of personal experiences. It was a safe space to speak honestly and candidly about some of the worries and challenges facing today’s 2SLGBTQAI+ communities. It was a place to learn.

Some topics discussed were:

• the overall sense that the world is more knowledgeable and accepting of gay culture

• divisions within the gay community itself

• crises facing the transgender community, especially trans youth

• steps within public education to eliminate awareness and direct teaching of sexual health including topics of gender, gender expression, gender identity and sexual orientation

In short, we discussed progress in some areas of the world. We also addressed the pitfalls, including the backward slide on existing gay rights and the vitriol fueling it.

It is my hope, as well as the hope of others, to create a social forum for continued discussion and advocacy. Starting shortly, there will be a platform introduced to connect those interested. Currently, details are being worked out. It may be on Facebook, WhatsApp or on the UWP Alumni Hub. Stay tuned.

If you would like to be part of this affinity group and have not already given your name to Jeff, please do so at treasurer@uwpiaa.org

Please send him an email and he will add you to this group. The formation of this group will begin in the autumn. Hopefully, it will spark wonderful conversations on a variety of topics. We will aim for a special Zoom meeting about every three months to focus in on certain topics. Hopefully, our words will also inspire actions.

Moving forward, we need answers to these questions:

• What would be a good name for this group?
• What topics would you suggest for deeper discussion on a zoom call?

If anyone has ideas for either or both, please add your comments below!

Let’s connect. Let’s embrace the possibilities.
-Douglas