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Registration opens in January 2025 

The goal of Defy is to heighten participants’ sense of self-trust and awareness of their environment. We offer information about assault and self-defence specific to trans and queer individuals. As we focus on trans, non-binary, 2-Spirit, and queer safety and empowerment, we prepare participants to defend themselves both mentally and physically and give them the confidence to deal with the range of types of aggression they are most likely to encounter in real life.

The techniques we teach are practical and easy to learn, and the learning environment is safe, supportive, and full of positive energy. The physical techniques we cover are designed to be effective against larger, physically stronger attackers. They include blocks, strikes, releases from holds (arm holds, body holds, chokes, hair grabs, and situations where one is pinned to the ground), defences against weapons, and defences against more than one attacker.

People do not need to be physically fit to learn Defy; we teach people to use their bodies as they are, and we are trained to offer alternative techniques and strategies to folks with physical limitations or disabilities. Verbal self-defence strategies examined in Defy include calming, reasoning, negotiating, distracting, surprising or confronting an attacker, depending on the situation. We also cover the most effective ways of directing any bystanders to help.

Our discussions are focused on knowledge and empowerment, and we approach these through an intersectional, feminist, anti-oppression lens. We debunk myths about sexual assault, relationship abuse, and harassment. We cover self-defence and the law, and safety awareness in a variety of situations (at home, work, or school, at parties or on dates, on the street, highway, or public transit, and while traveling). We also offer information on many community resources such as rape crisis centres, shelters, legal services, help-lines, and more.

Dates: March 1 & 2, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Fee: $50.00 (Non-refundable, non-transferable)

Instructor: Leslie Allin, Senior Instructor

Eligibility: Open to current students, staff and faculty at ³ÉÈË´óƬ who are members of the 2SLGTBQ+ community

Location: Exact location on campus will be shared with registrants via email prior to the workshop.

For more information, contact Barb at svpreducation@queensu.ca or Leslie Allin at lesliekallin@gmail.com or call 519-362-3215.

Registration

Space for this course is limited and registration is required.

This workshop is sponsored by the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Services (SVPRS), the Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion) (VPCEI), and Athletics & Recreation (A&R). For more information about Wen-Do, visit .

Join us to empower yourself with the skills and confidence needed for self-defense and personal safety.