After announcing their selection for keynote speaker at this year’s Women of Distinction Awards the YWCA was hit with hateful messages. Fae Johnstone is the speaker in question- Fae is a member of the trans community – something that places her among the most marginalized and discriminated women in society today.

Melissa Coomber-Bendtsen CEO of the YWCA Regina says the selection of Johnstone was a no brainer for the organization – and says she and the YWCA feel it is important to represent all people who are members of the feminist movement.

“As a women’s serving organization our goal is around gender equity. Not centering the needs of the most marginalized women within our group – doesn’t move the needle on gender equity. It’s wonderful to celebrate the accomplishments of women but if we don’t bring information, knowledge and understanding of all people that belong to the feminist movement – we miss the mark on being able to push forward with gender equity.”

Fae Johnstone is the speaker- a fierce community leader, and advocate for mental health, children, and members of the gender and sexually diverse community. Fae is a woman who has overcome much in her life. Fae – is the perfect choice to speak at this event says Coomber-Bendsten.

“A lack of understanding and empathy often leads to hate and fear,” adds Coomber-Bendtsen. “There is a feeling that when we focus on the needs of marginalized members of our community we lose the focus on others. That could not be further from the truth.”

The feminist movement she adds – has not been as powerfully driven as it could be. The reason is due to the feminist movement largely ignoring the needs and specific issues faced by trans, black, and indigenous women.

“Has the feminist movement gotten us further? Are we in a better place than we were 20 years ago? I would argue that there have been accomplishments, there has been some movement. But not to the degree that many would expect.”

She says she believes strongly that there has not been as much movement due to the feminist movement not centering the needs of the most marginalized due to a lack of knowledge and fear.

“If we lead in the future with empathy and understanding, understanding the issues faced by trans women, we move the entire gender movement close to equity”

Bendtsen adds that on top of celebrating women at the awards and raising money for YWCA regina programs – the event is also an opportunity for us to learn, build knowledge and understanding in the community.

The event has tried to bring diverse voices to the province and to the evening. She adds that Fae Johnstone is a key voice in that move towards diversity.

“Fae is an incredible leader in our community.  She is an outspoken trans activist, she is on the board of directors for YWCA Canada. She brings a perspective of supporting the women’s movement, understanding that the movement and YWCA’s across the country have not always centered on the needs of trans women. She understands there is a purpose and a movement towards that. She understands the issues faced by trans women in our community – and how the larger community can help support and center those needs.”

The women of distinction awards are set to take place in Regina on May the 6th. While tickets to the gala are sold out – online tickets are available to stream the night virtually.

To purchase tickets visit the YWCA Women of Distinction website here.