Screening of “Just Be Gemma” and Readings from “Almost Feral”
© David Howells
Gemma Hickey is an activist who helped change the legal landscape of Canada when they co-lead the movement that legalized same-sex marriage in Canada in 2005. In 2017, their request for a gender-neutral birth certificate spurred Newfoundland and Labrador to change its law, and Gemma became the first person in Canada to receive a non-binary birth certificate. Gemma was also the first Atlantic Canadian to receive a gender-neutral passport. Gemma has served on numerous boards and committees devoted to LGBTQ2+ and other social justice issues in Canada. In 2013, Gemma founded the Pathways Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports survivors of clergy abuse. To raise awareness and funds for the cause, they walked 938 kilometres across Newfoundland in July 2015. Gemma’s physical and personal journey through gender transformation is the subject of Just Be Gemma, a documentary film produced by Nine Island Communications. Gemma is presently completing a book entitled Almost Feral to be published by Breakwater Books in 2019. The book is inspired by life on the road, justice, and their beloved grandmother.
We encourage you to join us for these events about Gemma’s moving and thought-provoking experiences.
Guest Speaker: Gemma Hickey, activist and writer
1. “Just be Gemma” Screening and Discussion
Presented in partnership with Rainbow Reel Tokyo
The film will be followed by a discussion with Gemma.
Film Information: "Just be Gemma"
Produced by Nine Island Communications
Written and directed by Peter Walsh
2017, 43 minutes
(Please note that the film includes footage of surgery and has minor nudity.)
Time: Wednesday, February 13, 2019, 19:00-20:45 (Doors open at 18:30)
Place: Embassy of Canada Oscar Peterson Theatre (B2 level)
Language: Film – English with Japanese subtitles; Discussion – English and Japanese with interpretation
Admission: Free – advance registration required
Registration:
Advance registration is required. Please apply by e-mail by February 7, indicating your name (and name of guest if applicable) and affiliation. Registration is first come, first serve. You will receive a confirmation of your registration by email.
2. Readings from “Almost Feral”
Publication information: Almost Feral
Author: Gemma Hickey
Publisher: Breakwater Books (June 1, 2019)
Genre: Non-Fiction
ISBN: 9781550817775
Time: Thursday, February 14, 2019, 18:30-20:00 (Doors open at 18:00)
Place: Embassy of Canada E.H. Norman Library (B2 level)
Language: English with Japanese interpretation
Admission: Free – advance registration required
Registration:
Advance registration is required. Please apply by e-mail by February 11, indicating your name (and name of guest if applicable) and affiliation. Registration is first come, first serve. You will receive a confirmation of your registration by email.
N.B.: Visitor access to the Embassy of Canada requires government-issued photo identification. Note that bags will be checked for security.
Contact:
Embassy of Canada, Public Affairs Section
Fax: 03-5412-6249
E-mail: tokyo.cc@international.gc.ca
Primary navigation
- Discover Canada
- Bilateral Relations
- Our Offices
- News and Events
- For Canadians
- Transparency
