The Embassy of Canada is pleased to invite you to our “Just Be Gemma” Screening and Discussion with Gemma Hickey on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, presented in partnership with Rainbow Reel Tokyo.
©Nine Island Communications 2017
Gemma Hickey is an activist who helped change the legal landscape of Canada when they co-lead the movement that legalized same-sex marriage in Canada in 2005. In 2017, their request for a gender-neutral birth certificate spurred Newfoundland and Labrador to change its law, and Gemma became the first person in Canada to receive a non-binary birth certificate. Gemma was also the first Atlantic Canadian to receive a gender-neutral passport. Gemma has served on numerous boards and committees devoted to LGBTQ2+ and other social justice issues in Canada. In 2013, Gemma founded the Pathways Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports survivors of clergy abuse. To raise awareness and funds for the cause, they walked 938 kilometres across Newfoundland in July 2015. Gemma’s physical and personal journey through gender transformation is the subject of Just Be Gemma, a documentary film produced by Nine Island Communications. Gemma is presently completing a book entitled Almost Feral to be published by Breakwater Books in 2019. The book is inspired by life on the road, justice, and their beloved grandmother.
Date / Time: Wednesday, February 13, 2019, 19:00-20:45 (Doors open at 18:30)
Place: Embassy of Canada Oscar Peterson Theatre【map】
Organized by the Embassy of Canada 
In partnership with Rainbow Reel Tokyo
【Update】Mika Yakushi, the Representative Director of NPO ReBit, will join Gemma Hickey for the post-screening discussion.
Based on his personal experience as a trans man, Mika helps raise awareness of LBGTQ issues in schools and provides LBGTQ students with specialised career counseling.
Read more about Mika and ReBit: https://rebitlgbt.org/
“Just be Gemma”
Produced by Nine Island Communications
Written and directed by Peter Walsh
2017 | Canada | 43 min | English
※The film will be followed by a discussion session with Gemma Hickey.
※Please note that the film includes footage of surgery and has minor nudity.
《 How to participate 》
●Advance registration is required. Please apply by e-mail (tokyo.cc@international.gc.ca) with the subject “Just Be Gemma” by February 12, indicating your name (and name of guest if applicable) and affiliation. Registration is first come, first serve. You will receive a confirmation of your registration by email.
●Visitor Access to the Embassy of Canada requires Government-issued photo identification. Bags will be checked for security.
●We regret that parking on the Embassy grounds is not available.
Contact: Embassy of Canada, Public Affairs Section
tokyo.cc@international.gc.ca