We’ll stick it to the system while sticking to our true selves!

Join us on our first queer RCIScience Field Trip for citizen scientists to learn about diversity in science, queer histories and communications, and adhesion in its many forms.  We’ll stick it to the system while sticking to our true selves!  Along with our guest speaker, perhaps Ganda Fluid will be making a debut…

We’re all about creating a welcoming and exploratory space where you can share your thoughts, ask questions, and get excited about the world around us. Whether you’re coming alone or bringing along a friend or family member, we can’t wait to see you there and learn alongside you!  Please feel free to share whatever knowledge you may have.

Please note: We’re prioritizing folks who self-identify as being part of a historically marginalized identity group (i.e. BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIAP+, disabled, etc.)

What to Bring

• Water bottle (with water!)

• Comfortable shoes for walking

• Weather appropriate clothing 

• Optional mask/PPE

Bug spray and a first aid kit will be provided if needed.

This event is also a part of 4CE, also known as Cross-Canada Conservation Collaborations (4C Ecology).  4CE, and, by extension, SCI AIDE, prioritizes those who fall into the following intersectional demographic:

• Gender minority (i.e. you identify with at least one of the following labels: women, agender, trans, non-binary, genderfluid, enby, femme, gender non-conforming, or something similar)

• Racialized folks (i.e. a Black, Indigenous, or otherwise person of colour)

If you fall outside of this demographic but are willing to respect the space and the folks within it, that's fine!  We ask that you treat the space, other participants, and our facilitators with kindness and openness.  We also ask that, as an ally, you consider making a donation to help us support gender-diverse people of colour moving forward!  Thank you.

About the Speakers

Angelico Obille 

PhD

(they/he)

Angelico is a biomaterials scientist and science communicator based in Toronto, Canada. They completed their PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto, where they studied mollusks found in the Great Lakes to help develop improved medical adhesives. Inspired by the quagga mussel they research, Angelico performs in drag as Kwaga Musselle (she/her). A talented singer and pianist, as well as a Filipino non-binary scientist, Angelico aims to show current and future generations that anyone can be a successful scientist… all you need is curiosity.

Dany Ko

(siya/伊 or they/them)

Dany is a queer, deaf, disabled, Filipino-Chinese science communicator and environmental educator with a background in community work and health sciences. They are dedicated to bringing knowledge, skills, and opportunities to the communities they are a part of. Currently, they are working with Downsview Park, as well as with groups such as Ocean Wise and Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF). Additionally, they are a founder of the Science Communication Initiative for Accessibility, Inclusivity, Diversity, & Engagement (SCI AIDE) and hope to make science of all sorts more accessible to historically marginalized folks.  They're aiming to debut their drag persona, Ganda Fluid, at this event!

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Event Logistics

We'll start at the Hanlan's Point Ferry Dock by the statue on Toronto Island at 5:30pm.

If you would like to travel to the island with us, please meet us at 4:30pm for the 4:45pm ferry at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.  There is another ferry at 5:15pm that would bring you just in time for the event start.  Note that you should lineup early, given the crowds that usually gather at the Terminal during the summer.

We will also be able to pay for people's ferry tickets.  If you would like us to cover your ferry tickets, please e-transfer $5 to scicomminitiativeaide@gmail.com.  We will e-transfer you back that amount within a week after you attend the event.  This is to ensure we are not paying for unused tickets.  We are happy to e-transfer you back the amount earlier if you cancel 24 hours ahead of time.

Come rain or shine, though we won’t be continuing if there are dangerous conditions!  We are working to ensure that we can provide snacks and TTC tickets to all participants. 

Accessibility

• Hanlan's Point is a nude-friendly beach.  Please take care if this is something that would make you uncomfortable; we will be hosting in this location due to its connection to Toronto's queer history.

• While we'll mostly stay on the paths, we know that there are some potentially inaccessible spots off the path that we may rest in while we learn from Kwaga Musselle.  These areas will be on the same level of the path, but may be on sand, grass, or dirt.

• We may be doing some activities in or around lake water, around a lot of sand, and in summer heat.  Please dress and prepare appropriately.

• The ferry itself is relatively accessible but can get crowded and uncomfortable.  We suggest arriving early to avoid bigger crowds.

Filming and Photography

Both Kwaga Muselle and Dany (SCI AIDE) will be filming.  We will try not to get any faces in the shot, but may ask for short audio comments, shots of the back of your head, over-the-shoulder shots, and shots of your hands as you do things.  No worries if you're not okay with being filmed, just let us know.

Feel free to email scicomminitiativeaide@gmail.com with any inquiries, comments, or concerns you may have!