TRANSFORM SYMPOSIUM 2026 is a symposium featuring panels, workshops, and a networking reception designed to uplift racialized trans, queer, and non-binary newcomers in Toronto, with a focus on employment and economic empowerment. 

The symposium aims to: 

1. Equip employers with practical guidance to recruit, develop, and keep trans and queer newcomer talent. 

2. Create meaningful networking opportunities for trans, queer, and non-binary newcomers to connect with employers, mentors, and community leaders. 

3. Strengthen leadership and capacity through skills-building and professional development for both employers and newcomers. 

Hosted by the The Trans Power Project @ASAAP.

Supported by the Government of Canada, with special thanks to Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and community partners including Centre for Social Innovation (CSI), Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC), and Pride at Work Canada / Fierté au travail Canada.  
 

Programming:

Program and speakers to be announced. Times subject to change. 
 

• 6:00–6:15 PM — Guest Check-In & Refreshments (Doors open. Arrivals, registration, and light refreshments). 
   

• 6:15–6:30 PM — Opening Remarks & Keynote Address (TBA) Welcome and keynote remarks to launch the symposium. 
   

• 6:30–7:20 PM — Concurrent Programming Block I (Room assignments to be announced)
  
  Panel A: Working Newcomers: The QT Experience

  • A panel of Queer/Trans Newcomer professionals share how they experience navigating career pathways. The purpose of this panel is to hear the stories of Newcomers and Immigrant employment experiences. Newcomer professionals will gain tips, tricks, and strategies on navigating career advancements. Employers will gain invaluable insights on how to capture and nurture QT Newcomer talent. This panel will feature established QT professionals as they share experiences building careers in Canada.  
    
    
    Panel B: Working for Myself: Entrepreneurship

  • So, you want to start your own business! But where do you even start? Fear not, our expert panelists will guide you through their journeys navigating entrepreneurship. How do you get clients? How do you establish expertise? Branding? Licensing? There is so much to consider when starting your own business. Aspiring entrepreneurs will hear from established entrepreneurs who started from the ground up. Get ideas and inspiration from our panelists so you can be your own boss. 
     

• 7:25–8:15 PM — Concurrent Programming Block II (Room assignments to be announced)
   
  Panel C: Staying (T)hired: Strategies on Hiring QT Newcomers

  • ​Finding a job as a Newcomer to Toronto is not easy. Building a career as a Newcomer in Toronto is even harder. There are many hurdles to contend: language barriers, recognition of foreign credentials, limited networks and of course, “previous Canadian experience”. So how do we as Newcomers and Immigrants get our foot through the door? How can our experiences as Newcomers and Immigrants enhance the industries we hope to break into? Join our panel of professionals as they discuss their career journey as Queer/Trans Newcomers and Immigrants. We will gain insightful knowledge into what aids them in achieving their career goals, gain tips on their strategies in navigating career advancements, tricks, trades, and trends of their trade that hopeful budding professionals might find useful.  Employers that hope to hire Newcomers and Immigrants will gain insights on how to capture and nurture QT Newcomer talent.  ​
    
    
    Workshop: Knowing My Employment Rights

  • Beyond the basics of human rights in workplace environments, what are the skills we need to learn to navigate microaggressions in the workplace. How do we advocate and negotiate for better positions, pay, and benefits for ourselves. Navigating transphobia and homophobia in the workplace. Thinking of unionizing? What are the legal repercussions employers will take, and how do we protect ourselves? Learn from our expert lawyer on your employment rights!  
     

• 8:15–9:00 PM — Networking Reception 
  Food, refreshments, informal networking, and entertainment. 
   

• 9:00 PM — Program Concludes.