Bronwin Parks & Elinor Svoboda: Late in 88

Host Sarah Burke welcomes Bronwin Parks & Elinor Svoboda to discuss their new podcast 'Late in 88' launching soon on the Women in Media Network! They share the story of how they reconnected for this project after spending 13 years in school together, but not really as friends. They discuss the importance of representation and inclusion in media and the arts while discussing the challenges and progress of the queer community, the history of Pride, and the impact of legislation and societal acceptance. They touch on the importance of queer history, the healing journey of self-acceptance, and the significance of sharing authentic stories and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.

Late in ‘88 is a podcast that explores the blurred lines of truth and memory as two grade school classmates share their experiences of growing up queer and gender non-conforming in Calgary, Alberta 1988, at a time when there wasn't language to describe identities that were fringe and undefinable. By shining a light on their middle childhood, Bronwin and Elinor explore the impact of historical context and the gift of contemporary language that allows more freedom of self expression. The series will welcome many special guests and experts including gradeschool classmates, professors, doctors, and experts in their fields.

Bronwin Parks is a Calgary city kid who grew up to be a rancher, rodeo cowboi, and the founder of the award-winning Feisty Creative, a top-notch creative agency for the music, film, television, and digital media industries. Through Feisty, Bronwin has worked with brands, award shows, and all of Canada’s major music labels.

Since coming out as queer in 1996 at the age of 16 and later in 2020 as non-binary, Bronwin has fought hard to be a much-needed and outspoken champion for diversity and equity. Their dedication in fighting for systemic change has led them to serve on several music and creative industry boards, pushing DEI initiatives, creating inclusive spaces, and bringing more opportunities for 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

Elinor Svoboda is an award-winning filmmaker, sound designer, educator, with over 20 years of experience. Her work has been nominated for both Grammy and Juno Awards, shortlisted for the Berlin Film Festival, and premiered at the Fantasia Film Festival. Notably, her 2012 short Documentary Tegan and Sara: INDIA was broadcast and distributed internationally via Warner Brothers Music.

Alongside her directorial and sound work, Elinor works as a dedicated educator, having previously served as a sessional professor at Sheridan College and an instructor at York University. She has also been a faculty member of the Training in Power Academy of Meditation and Healing for the last 20 years.

Having spent several years in Toronto, Elinor recently returned to her home province of Alberta, where she is developing several television and feature narrative projects under her company, Ellefire Media.

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