Chloe Tse is a Toronto-based “Gaysian” journalist. She spends her days as a Digital Editor at Totem, marches through life as a social justice warrior and freelances in between it all. This beagle mom is a co-founder of TheFeminismProject.com and has had her work published in Curve, The Toronto Star, S/Style, Daily Xtra, and more. And, she really appreciates muppets.
Describe yourself in a six-word sentence.
Gaysian journalist just living the dream.
What was the last thing you shared on social media?
Because one of my freelance gigs is being a community manager for multiple brands, the last thing I actually shared on social media was about suicide prevention. My personal accounts often get neglected — but the last thing I shared on my own account was a birthday tribute to a friend.
What do you think is the main challenge facing LGBTQ people in your community?
Different goals. Toronto has a fairly large LGBTQ+ community, and I think the biggest challenge here is the disconnect when it comes to our activism goals. It’s fragmented — there’s segregation within our community and different groups work towards different things. We should probably work on that.
What is your favorite LGBTQ business where you live?
The good news is many organizations and businesses here identify as allies. The one I feel is worth mentioning is the Glad Day Bookshop — it’s the world’s oldest LGBT bookstore now. It just moved from Yonge Street right into our Gayborhood on Church Street. Their extensive collection of queer books makes my heart smile.
What advice do you have for people looking to be just like you?
Don’t be. Keep being you — the youest you. Let’s combine our stories and make magic as a collective instead. Your stories matter and they are what created your vantage points and unique perspectives.
