Invisible Disabilities & Pride (Panel Discussion)
Presented by: Bow Valley Connections Centre, Bow Valley Pride Network, Canmore Pride
Date & Time: Sunday, December 7th
Doors open at: 6:30 PM
Panel Discussion/Q&A: 7 PM - 9 PM
Funded by: Rotary Club of Canmore Community Grants
With support from: artsPlace Canmore
Location: artsPlace (theatre room) 950 8 Ave, Canmore, AB T1W 2T1
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ouS5gu39Zp5XQCzc6
———
What to expect:
Join us for an evening where we bring together a panel of speakers to explore the intersections of invisible disability*, identity, and pride. This event aims to foster a deeper understanding of the unique experiences faced by individuals with invisible disabilities, and to celebrate the disabled 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
This event is an opportunity to broaden your understanding, challenge preconceived notions, and join a supportive community dedicated to promoting inclusivity and celebrating the diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities. Whether you are personally impacted by disability, work in a related field, or simply want to learn more, this panel discussion will provide a space for learning.
*An invisible disability is a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that isn't outwardly apparent but still significantly impacts a person's movements, senses, activities, learning, and/or work. These are also called non-visible or hidden disabilities, and they encompass a wide range of conditions like chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, learning differences, mental health conditions, and cognitive impairments.
Registration coming soon. This is a free event, with donations taken at the door.
———
Panel Members:
Mac Walsh (they/he)
Mac (they/he) is an autistic, transmasculine young adult. Growing up autistic and queer with both their own mental and physical health challenges, as well as the loss of their younger sister to a complex mental health battle, provides them with a unique lens when it comes to helping others. Throughout their journey, Mac has found themselves navigating the intersecting identities of disability and pride, further deepening their commitment to advocacy and authentic representation. Mac has collaborated on a number of panels and advocacy projects for organizations such as ISABC, CMHA Calgary, AutismBC and Easter Seals Alberta, and is a graduate from the Education Assistant Program at Bow Valley College. They were also recently involved as a cast member in Season 1 of CBC’s The Assembly. Driven by these lived experiences, Mac strives to be the representation they needed growing up by continuing to share their story of hope and resilience in order to help others to feel less alone and provide them with a sense of empowerment to embrace their authentic selves. In their spare time, Mac loves to stay active through adaptive sports, build Lego and play trombone.
Maria Lau (they/them)
Bio coming soon.
Emily Hoult (she/her)
Emily Hoult is a fiery public speaker and advocate who lives at the intersection of the 2SLGBTQIA+ and disabled communities. A queer trans woman, her advocacy is shaped by later-in-life diagnoses of Level 2 Autism, ADHD, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), giving her a deep, personal understanding of invisible disabilities.
After a 2023 mental health crisis, born from years in high-stress CFO and CEO roles, Emily left the corporate world and decided to focus her limited work hours on empowering marginalized communities. Known for her candor and empathy, she believes authentic storytelling is the key to building psychologically safe spaces and challenging preconceived notions. She is thrilled to be facilitating this conversation for Canmore Pride.
Katya Dittrich (they/them)
Katya Dittrich is a queer and trans nonbinary student of psych and women and gender studies completing their undergrad in Social Justice Counselling at Athabasca University. Diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome at the age of 12, they have lived with a combination of chronic illness and pain for 13 years. During this time they have worked in patient advocacy and research with academics across Canada to increase understanding about the needs of children living with chronic pain. As a yoga and meditation teacher, and a cross country ski and climbing coach, they are interested in the mind-body connection accessible through movement and meditation. They have a special passion for teaching meditation and yoga for queer and trans people.
They are interested in highlighting how pain is not only a physical experience but also deeply shaped by social, cultural, and identity-based factors. Through this work, Kat seeks to expand the understanding of what it means to live with chronic pain and to challenge assumptions about visibility and resilience. As a queer person with an invisible dynamic disability, Kat is passionate about being a part of spaces that honor lived experience and recognize the complexity of marginalized identities. Kat works to marry movement and wellbeing by Kat’s work aims to foster empathy, accessibility, and belonging—both within academic contexts and in broader conversations about health, identity, and care.
———
Accessibility:
There is a gender-neutral washroom available
The venue is wheelchair accessible including a wheelchair accessible washroom.
The theatre can fit up to 105 people in the audience.
There will be loud noise. Please bring your own ear plugs if needed.
There will be bright lights
The closest bus stop is Canmore 9th Street (Roam Transit) and is 200 metres from the venue.
———
Getting here:
There is a paid parking lot in front of artsPlace including limited accessible parking spots. We also encourage you to walk/bike/bus/roll to the venue if possible.
———
Food/Drinks: Snacks (popcorn, chocolate bars, candy, etc.) and drinks (sodas, beer, wine, etc.) will be available for purchase from the artsPlace concession stand inside of the venue. Cash and card payment will be accepted.
———
Tickets: This event is open to the public. We prioritize creating a safe space and any discrimination will not be tolerated. This is a space for learning and growing our understanding of each other.
To reserve your ticket, please visit the artsPlace website here. All proceeds will support the Bow Valley Pride Network, allowing us to continue to put on events like these!
Sliding Scale Tickets:
$0 (Free) - Access Ticket
For anyone who needs it. Your presence is what matters the most!$10 - Supporter Ticket
If you’re able to contribute a bit, this helps us cover basic costs and keep our events going.$20 - Community Builder Ticket
Paying at this level helps us offer free tickets to others, support queer artists and facilitators, and grow our programming.
———
Contact:
If you have any questions leading up to the event, please contact the Canmore Pride team directly via email at community@canmorepride.ca!
Please note, due to the volume of emails, we suggest that you get in touch with us a minimum of 48 hours prior to the event so we have time to respond to your inquiries.