You are invited!

Please join us for a fun night of entertainment, food, and a silent auction organized by Atira Women’s Resource Society to benefit Atira Development Society’s housing projects for trans, gender-diverse, and two-spirit individuals.

The event will be held at the Pan Pacific Vancouver on November 23, 2024.

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November 20th of each year marks the International Day of Trans Remembrance, a day dedicated to honoring the trans people worldwide who have been killed due to living their authentic lives. Following this, November 22 is National Housing Day, which recognizes the importance of housing as a fundamental human right.

On November 23, 2024, we will be hosting the Authentic Courage Gala at the Pan Pacific Vancouver. This gala aims to spotlight the critical need for housing within the 2STGD (Two-Spirit, Trans, Gender Diverse) community. Individuals who courageously live their authentic lives often face discrimination and assault in unsafe housing conditions. 2STGD people are disproportionately represented in the homeless population, and many are reluctant to seek shelter due to the hardships they encounter because of their gender identity.

Opened in 2021, Aoki Ross House provides a safe haven for 23 individuals from the 2STGD community. It stands as the only project of its kind in Western Canada—a significant first step, but much more needs to be done.

We invite you to join us at the Authentic Courage Gala and support Aoki Ross House, as well as our vision for a comprehensive housing continuum for the 2STGD community. If you are unable to attend the Gala, please consider making a donation to support our cause. It takes immense courage to live one’s authentic life, and we need our allies to stand with us in making a difference.

 

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Jodi Gray has been the Program Manager for Aoki Ross House since it opened.  As an advocate for 2STGD housing, she regularly speaks about the needs and struggles of the 2STGD community.  Most recently, Jodi spoke at the TedX East Cordova event.  She has also been a guest on our podcast.  She also works on research projects and sits on boards and advisory committees with the hope of improving the lives of 2STGD people.  This does not leave her with much spare time but what she has she dedicates to reading, recharging in nature and cuddling with her two cats.  Jodi has been instrumental in starting the Authentic Courage Gala.  It is worth the price of admission to meet her and listen to her share her passion for the people she supports.

Over the past year, we have organized a variety of activities and events that not only enrich the lives of our residents but also foster a sense of community and belonging. Your support is crucial in helping us continue to provide these enriching experiences for our residents. You can help us fund more programs, improve our facilities, and ensure that Aoki Ross House remains a place of hope and healing for those who need it most. Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished:

  • Art Classes
  • New Mural
  • Partially Funded New Patio
  • Marched in Pride Parade
  • Vancouver Queer Film Festival
  • Trans Day of Visibility dinner
  • Pride Month/Anniversary of Opening Celebration
  • Sidewalk Art
  • Eastside Pride
  • Trans March
  • T-Shirt Design Contest

Emcee of the Evening

We are excited to introduce Caryl Dolinko as the emcee of the event!

Caryl  has been captivating audiences as an emcee, host, and moderator for over 20 years. From intimate gatherings of 50 to massive events with over 100,000 attendees, her dynamic presence has graced a wide range of settings. She has led workshops, delivered keynote speeches, moderated panels, and regularly appeared on television and radio. As an out and proud community member, Caryl emceed Vancouver’s Pride Parade for many years, along with sports tournaments, weddings, memorials, charitable events, and corporate fundraisers. She’s excited to bring her vibrant energy to Atira’s Authentic Courage Gala.

Follow Caryl Dolinko on LinkedIn

Featured Entertainer of the Evening

We are honoured to introduce our entertainment for the event—Jaylene Tyme.

Jaylene is a drag legend and a true icon of the Vancouver community. With over 30 years of experience, she has used her platform to uplift and inspire countless lives. As a proud Two-Spirit, sober Indigenous trans woman and survivor of the Sixties Scoop, Jaylene’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and authenticity.

Her story, featured in CBC Arts’ Canada’s a Drag, reflects her unwavering commitment to creating spaces where everyone can be themselves. Jaylene, thank you for being here and for making the world a better place, one performance at a time.

Follow Jaylene Tyme on Instagram.

Thank you to our sponsors

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Silent Auction Sponsors

 

                 

 

Silent Auction Partner

 

 

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