Queer artists continue to redefine the ways we express ourselves and connect with others. So, what happens when you put four talented queer people who are passionate about advocacy in a room together? You’ll find the answer to that question and many more in our recent panel discussion hosted by Haley Robinson, featuring —KJ Forman, Miss Patience Plush, and OK Naledi.
Celebrating queer creativity and community: A panel discussion on art, identity, and inclusivity
In this discussion, the artists open up about the challenges they’ve faced—growing up, discovering their queerness, and carving out spaces in industries that haven’t always welcomed them. Through visibility, collaboration, and activism, these artists are leading the way in creating safer, more inclusive communities for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. This conversation is a celebration of queer joy and the transformative power of art to break down barriers, tell stories, and spark meaningful social change.
Meet our moderator
Haley Robinson
(They/them)
Haley Robinson is a Cree/Filipinx Two-Spirit Actor, model and advocate residing in Ottawa. Growing up in Alberta and adopted into a white family, Haley yearned for community. After getting sober from years of struggling with addiction, they took to social media to share their journey of reconnecting back to their cultures, their bio family and creating representation for folk like them in the media. Haley is an ambassador for MADE, an organization that celebrates Canadian Media, and Sexfluent, an online non-profit a part of the Canadian Foundation of AIDS Research.
Meet our panelists
Miss Patience Plush
(They/them)
Miss Patience Plush is a non-binary BIPOC queer burlesque performer here in Ottawa. They have been performing burlesque for just a little over a year but have taken the performance world by storm. Patience is a strong activist both in and outside of performing; creating space for not only non-binary POC but also for Plus size bodies. They use their art and visibility to spread love, joy and strength to everyone around them.
KJ Forman
(They/them)
Luck and Lavender Studio was created by KJ Forman, a queer, non-binary feminist artist in Ottawa, Canada. KJ’s work features floral drawings combined with darker imagery-like skulls and swords, showcasing feminist and 2SLGBTQ+ mantras. You can find their designs on art prints, stickers, apparel, accessories and more. Luck and Lavender Studio is for babes who have something to say and want to show the world who they are.
Ok Naledi
(They/she)
OK Naledi is an Afro fusion music project created by Queer, Motswana Canadian musician Naledi Sunstrum. OK Naledi features traditional sub-Saharan clean guitar lines, classic deep bass, movement-inspiring beats and that iconic, driving Afro House tempo.
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GenNext East Ontario is committed to fostering open and inclusive communities, listening and learning from community leaders and members, and helping build social resilience.
Age, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, abilities, values and beliefs—these are just some of the many differences that make up the very fabric of our vibrant region. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to everything we do—our work, our relationships, our actions, and our language. And even though it’s complex, at the end of the day, it’s about dignity, empathy, respect, and the right to feel comfortable in your own skin.
We believe everyone deserves to be themselves and have the chance to be heard, included, and supported. Learn more about our work.
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