A Place Where I Belong // An event about disability & sexuality in Calgary

Please register for this free documentary film screening. Director of the film will be in attendance! There will be an audience talkback with local experts and the filmmaker. Everyone is welcome, no one will be turned away, but please reserve your spot as seating is limited to approximately 100. Likewise, please cancel your ticket if you can no longer attend the event.

Trailer and Synopsis

Facing a system that fails to recognize their full humanity, six 2SLGBTQIA+ people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) fight for visibility, love, and freedom through Connecting Queer Communities, a radical program that’s at risk of disappearing. Through CQC, the protagonists find safety and solidarity while exploring their sexual desire and gender. People with I/DD are often excluded from queer community by their caregivers’ discomfort with their sexuality, segregated from society to the point where they don’t have the experience to describe their queer identity. CQC models for the world how inclusivity can transform lives so that everyone can find a place where they belong.

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6:00pm - Doors open
6:30pm - Film starts
7:30pm - 60-min talkback with guests/experts
8:30pm - Reception
9:00 - End of Event

Panelists

Rheanna Toy, film director, A Place Where I Belong
Rheanna Toy is a documentary filmmaker and videographer who has spent over a decade making videos in the community living sector. Her previous work led her to CQC: Connecting Queer Communities, a pilot program supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. After hearing from the program's organizers about barriers faced by queer people with IDD, she asked if she could pursue an independent film on the topic. What began as an exploration became a longer documentary commitment, shaped through months of relationship-building, trust, and on-the-ground filming. Supported by posAbilities, Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion, and Kinsight, she created the film to expand public understanding of disability, queer belonging, and inclusion - and to help ensure these stories are seen, valued, and protected.

Dr. Alan Martino, Disability Studies at University of Calgary
Dr. Alan Martino (he/him) is an Associate Professor at the University of Calgary and founder of the Disability & Sexuality Lab. His research examines the intersections of disability, gender, and sexualities, using qualitative and community-based approaches. His work challenges dominant assumptions about disabled people’s sexual lives. In recognition of his contributions, he received the 2024 Early Investigator Award from the Canadian Sociological Association and the 2024 Early Career Award from the ASA Sociology of Sexualities Section.

Moderator - Emily Gheseger, Centre for Sexuality
Emily Gheseger (she/her) is the PIDD Project Manager at the Centre for Sexuality, where she develops and delivers inclusive relationship and sexuality education for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With over 7 years of experience working within the Autistic community, Emily brings expertise in neuro-affirming practices and supporting people with high support needs across the lifespan. Her work spans schools, community organizations, and professional training, with a focus on ensuring accessibility and equity in sexual health education. Emily holds a B.A, B.Ed, and is working towards an MSc in Psychology.

Accessibility details:

• Parking: Use the code 11425 for free parking, courtesy of the Centre for Sexuality.
• Wheelchair Access: The venue is fully wheelchair accessible. The main event space is located on the same level.
• Washrooms: There are accessible washrooms located within the venue.
• Childminding services: Unfortunately, we will not have childminding services available at this event. The film is unrated.

Share the ticket registration link and poster with your friends and family!

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The STORY TO ACTION program thanks our funders for helping make this event possible: