March 8th is International Women’s Day and Guelph is celebrating women and femme folks!

Everyone is invited to come out on Saturday March 8 from 11am-1pm to 10C Shared Space (42 Carden St.) for a drag show, poetry, dance performance, kids’ activities and a mini-self-care workshop. Hot beverages will be on hand, as well as snacks provided by Women That Give.

This free community event is hosted by Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis, the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW), the Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity (GRCGED), the University of Guelph’s Wellness Centre, the YMCA of 3 Rivers and Zonta Guelph.

Prior to the event, participants can meet at Veterans Memorial Bridge at 10:45am (by the Market Parkade) for a traditional “Women on the Bridge” rally and a short march back to 10C for our celebration. We’re encouraging people to wear pink or purple clothing to show support for women and femme folks. Extra signs and posters will be available for the march, but homemade signs are welcome, as well.

Each year on March 8th, International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Across the globe, we honour women’s accomplishments and push for women’s rights.

This year, the U.N.’s theme is “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” The U.N. explains:

This year’s theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.

All are welcome! 10C is a fully accessible venue.

Big thanks to our partners on the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation’s Status of Women Committee for sponsoring this event!

Thanks to our partners Women That Give for generously providing food and arranging for a henna artist to join us! Women That Give is a proud partner for this IWD event. Their work centres around enhancing the lives of marginalized women, women survivors of gbv and women in need, and their families. Become a partner, donor to benefit our community members. Visit womenthatgive.ca/programs to learn more.

International Women’s Day Event Schedule

11:00 – 11:15 am Welcome and Mingle!

11:15-11:30 Poetry by Katrina Stephany

Katrina Stephany is a disabled and autistic trans beauty-maker, poet, performer, and visual artist. She is actively engaged in 2S and LGBTQQINA+ social justice, artivism, and art therapy practice. She shares her home with her wife, their son, and many, many plants.

Creating art and poetry have been an integral part of Katrina’s mental health journey. Her focus on woodburning, mandalas, and neurographic art are mindful and calming practices which allow her to better regulate her stress and emotional responses. You can find out more about her art and programs at https://www.artbykat.org/

11:30-12:00 Drag Performances, with Chimaera, Kamilla, and Kween Karamelle

Chimaera is a 23-year-old drag prowess! She is Hamilton born and raised and she is THE glamour girl who can lipsync the house down boots. Aside from performing, she’s also producer, business woman, activist, community-builder, and currently aspiring to get her Ph.D! Be sure to check her out on OUTtv’s “Sew Fierce: Season 2”. In her academic work outside of performing, Chimaera is THE FIRST ever drag queen to win a National Award at the Canadian Psychology Association Conference, in her research in validating drag as a form of employment. She has done radio interviews, newspaper interviews, been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and even filmed a TEDx Talk!

Kamilla Flores, the Latina glamour and comedy queen, is a charismatic and uproarious performer who brings laughter and joy to the stage with her quick wit and humour. With a name that evokes the beauty of blossoming flowers, Kamilla Flores exudes an energy that lights up any room!

Known as the self proclaimed #1 Beyoncé impersonator of Guelph, Kara Melle brings the passion and fire of any live performance from the Queen Bey herself. Her drag persona is a love letter to the powerhouse black female performers in her life, that have demonstrated what true strength and beauty is. Expect choreography, meme references, theatrics and a few rhinestones here and there when she comes your way. Are you ready for a taste of Kara Melle?

12:15-12:30 Afro-Tribal Dance Workshop/Performance with Binty Koroma, Afro-Tribal Dance

Binty Koroma is a dancer, mother of three, activist and founder of Afro-Tribal Dance.

Binty has been dancing since she was three years old. She was born in Sierra Leone, West Africa and came to Canada when she was 10 years old. Back in Sierra Leone she was in a dance group called Igara and they performed at every event. In Sierra Leone dancing is done in bare feet, the feeling of the earth is said to be a calm and engaging feeling. When she first came to Canada she danced at churches, multicultural festivals, schools and pretty much anywhere, she loved sharing her passion with others. Dancing has always been a way to express herself in a positive way and she is so excited to share that passion with you!

Afro-Tribal Dance is based on different dance styles within the African continent, predominantly the West African region. Afro-Tribal Dance is a not-for-profit organization. Offering authentic and modern African dance, arts, and music and promise to take you on an exceptional journey through the traditional rhythms and dances of their beloved and beautiful continent. Dance provides a transformative outlet for expression, fostering resilience by allowing individuals to move through adversity with grace, strength, and self-discovery. Their mission is to reduce poverty in Africa through the teachings of their cultural dance and rhythms to the public by providing the necessities of life to those in need.

12:30-12:45 Self-Care Workshop, with Rebecca Skelhorn

This mini self-care workshop will explore the importance of self-care, self-compassion, and putting ourselves first. We will touch on practical ways we can prioritize well-being, even when things are busy, and wrap up by writing a love note to ourselves as a reminder that the love of our life should be ourselves! Facilitated by Rebecca Skelhorn (she/her), Wellness Educator at the University of Guelph.

12:45-1:00 Mingle and Close

For the latest news on the event, please follow @gwwic on social media.

Hope to see you there!