Hosted by ASSANE KABA
In this Table Topics event, we want to talk about gender inclusion and how we can collectively create a more inclusive society. Art is often a means of expression that goes beyond words.
For the first part, we invite artists to present their work, which reflects an inherent aspect of gender inclusion and what it means. This will be followed by a discussion with our guest speaker, Lionel Lehouillier, and a group discussion activity.
Lionel Lehouillier is, first and foremost, a theatre artist. His artistic practice is found at the limit of theatre and activism. Recently, he wrote and starred in Laitue Matinal·e (Morning Lettuce), a theatre piece about the French language and non-binary identities. Lionel works with the trans community as a consultant, offering workshops, facilitating and participating in round tables and public speaking. He is also the president of the board of directors of Trans Outaouais, a support organization for trans people and their loved ones.
Assane Kaba (he/him/his) is an Ottavian (Ottawa unceded lands and waters -Adawe) from Quebec City. Former RISE Ambassador (Cohort 6), he is inquisitive about the commutative nature of global issues in resolving large-scale problems.
His principal areas of interest include the social determinants of global health, ecosystem conservation and its impact on public health, and the dynamics that economic hegemonies in a globalized world can have towards sovereign entities and indigenous communities in postcolonial times.
Currently studying Global Development at Queen's University, he is convinced that languages are more than mechanisms for communication but rather the means to engage in an interaction founded on openness and empathy towards a culturally diverse third party, its history and challenges. Assane is currently leading Project Amity, an organization whose aim since its creation in 2019 has been to contribute to alleviating social isolation, tracing its objectives around awareness-raising, social action, and research initiatives. When he's not busy planning a French tutoring lesson, participating in his honorary society's endeavours, or learning new recipes, he can enjoy a good run in his spare time.
Assane is also a talented barista and likes to write poetry. He is also passionate about wellness and the role of music in the latter, the themes of humanism and resilience in World War II cinema, and West African literature.