The Documentary

DIRECTOR

Lenée is a Khmer Krom settler who grew up in Surrey on unceded Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, and Kwikwetlem territories. She has a Bachelors of Journalism and minor in Sociology from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Her work as a freelance multimedia journalist has appeared in publications such as rabble.ca, Multimedia Photojournale, The Volcano, Westcoast Food, and Inside Vancouver. When she’s not working on multimedia projects, Lenee is committed to anti-poverty community organizing in Surrey and Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. She/Her pronouns.

DIRECTOR

Elina is a freelance multimedia journalist, primarily photojournalist, with a Bachelor’s of Journalism from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. With a keen eye and mind full of creativity, she strives tell stories that can encourage change and enlighten those around us. Through the power of visual, and auditory documentary, Elina is devoted to telling people’s stories with utmost transparency, by simply allowing herself not to be the storyteller, but a source for those who have a story to tell. A story that can change a life. She/her pronouns.

PRODUCER & CAST

Alex is the Founder of Sher Vancouver. He is active in the community and cultural affairs. Alex has worked as a social worker, instructor, clinician, youth counsellor, and team leader. He has an MSc in Public Administration and Public Policy from the Department of Government from the London School of Economics and a Master of Social Work from Dalhousie University. Alex is the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada.

PRODUCER & CAST

Ash is the President of Sher Vancouver and was January’s best friend. He invited January to become the Social Coordinator of Sher Vancouver where she became the first trans person to hold an Executive position within the organization. Ash and January had a common bond as they were both born in the Philippines and spoke Tagalog and were recent immigrants to British Columbia.

CAST

Natasha is a beautiful woman now in her forties. She is a north-west coast native who has grown up in the cities. She first started transitioning at 16 years of age. Being rejected by her family has meant she grew up on the streets. As an adult, she is finding herself and gaining a sense of peace and stability. Natasha is currently married and resides in Edmonton, Alberta.

CAST

Kelendria is a Black woman of Trans experience of Caribbean descent who uses her perspective and unique experience to bring awareness to the various issues surrounding trans people; especially trans women of colour. She has dedicated herself to using her voice to impact change and bridge understanding across all communities.

CAST

Velvet is widely known for her appearance on the wildly popular documentary series KINK. As a woman, she defines herself as a woman with a trans medical history. She is an advocate for transsexual rights, an activist for transgender rights, and a sensitivity facilitator with the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Police Department. She was a fetish service provider and educates folks on the good, the bad, and the ugly of the world of sex toys and adult therapeutical aids. She created the first Fetish Night in Vancouver which ran for 10 years. It’s her life as a fetishist and visual artist that led her to activism on sex, sexuality, and sexual health and healing.

CAST

Josh is on the Board of Directors of Sher Vancouver. He is one of the original members of Sher and was a friend of January. Josh is a strong believer in diversity and human rights and the need to respect and show compassion for everyone regardless of religious belief, ethnicity, gender or sexual identity. Josh was the first Jewish person to sit on the Board of Sher and is active in the queer community in Vancouver. He is also a Founding Member of the Dignity Seniors Society which aims to support vulnerable queer seniors in Vancouver.