It is a question the Bradford Women’s+ Group often gets: What does the plus-symbol in its name mean?
“When we were planning the group, we wanted to focus on women’s issues, (but) ‘man’ and ‘woman’ doesn’t really fit for everyone,” said Jennifer Lloyd, one of the founders of the group.
Some people identify as non-binary, which is not exclusively feminine or masculine, and Lloyd said the group’s organizers wanted to create a space for all women to discuss issues that matter to them.
The group is using Pride Month to host a workshop June 3 at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library to create a friendly dialogue about gender issues.
What is the difference between gender and sex? What does transgender mean? What does it mean to be a man or a woman?
If you have asked yourself any of those questions, this workshop could be for you.
“We’re not here to promote being gay (as the purpose of the workshop). The only thing we are promoting is acceptance for everyone to be their true selves," Lloyd said, adding the event is for people of all sexual orientations.
"We’re trying to present some new ideas … to women in the community to expand their thinking. Just like all our other (workshop) topics.
Even some terms in today’s society, such as gender-reveal parties, are widely used but have the wrong terminology, she said.
A person’s sex refers to his or her reproductive organs, while gender identity is more about how that person feels about him or herself, she said.
“Gender is a spectrum,” Lloyd said.
Valerie Kuye, women’s health program co-ordinator for the AIDS Committee of York Region, will be the guest speaker at the event.
While all previous Bradford Women’s+ Group events have had 50 to 60 attendees, Lloyd said this one has fewer than 20 people signed up so far and hopes more people will register.
“We’re all really passionate about this topic,” said Lloyd, who is a social worker. “We wanted to bring this event to Bradford to increase people’s knowledge.”
To learn more about the event, visit the Facebook page or register online.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
WHEN: June 3
TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Zima Room at BWG Public Library, 425 Holland St. W., Bradford
COST: Free; register online
