As a proud Black trans male artist raised in Toronto Community Housing, I’ve lived the realities that too often silence our voices. I advocate for marginalized youth—those criminalized for simply existing—and work to help them find purpose through employment, especially during the vulnerable summer months. I’m also building a CBD cream business that supports people in pain—challenging the stigma around cannabis by focusing on healing. My roots in food run deep; my father and grandfather were chefs, and I’m passionate about food sovereignty and building community through sustainable nourishment. I’m working toward creating spaces where we grow, eat, and thrive together. Change for me is generational—it’s visual, it’s poetic, it’s lived. Whether through docu-series, podcasts, or film, I plan use storytelling to reflect truth and spark action. I do this for my community, for the youth —and for a future where we are no longer just seen but fully heard and valued.
-Nick McCalla