Island Stories: A Meaningful Refuge for the 2SLGBTQ+ Community

Developed for the City of Toronto

Role: Producer, Director, Videographer and Editor

How do you protect a space with decades of cultural and historical significance? By telling its story.

As part of the Island Stories campaign, I produced, directed, filmed, and edited a video exploring Hanlan’s Beach’s vital role in the 2SLGBTQ+ community and its connection to the Canadian gay rights movement. Through personal narratives and historical context, the video showcased the beach as a symbol of resilience and community.

The video played a pivotal role in the development of the Toronto Island Master Plan, helping staff, consultants, and the greater community understand the beach’s importance. It directly contributed to its preservation and underscored the power of storytelling in shaping inclusive public spaces.