Monday, September 28 | 5:00 PM
The Last Jew in Canada: A Trans Tale with S Bear Bergman
Location: Howard Thurman Center (808 Commonwealth Ave, Rm 104)
The Incredible True Story of Jacques LaFargue, The 18th Century Transgender Jewish Ancestor You’ve Never Heard Of!
In 1738, a young transgender man named Jacques LaFargue set off from France to what is now Quebec City, determined to make for himself a new life. The First Jew In Canada: A Trans Tale is his story, embroidered onto the bones of nine verifiable facts about his life and existence, interwoven with the modern experience of a trans and Jewish immigrant to Canada three hundred years later. A thrilling and illuminating tale, The First Jew In Canada takes its audience on a trans, Jewish journey of optimism, faith, and joy – including the joy of finding an ancestor you never knew you had.
In a world quick to claim that trans identities are a modern phenomenon, Jacques’s story stands as a testament to the long, rich history of trans people. This show is not just a recounting of historical facts; it’s a Midrash – an exploration of the “whys” and the silences in between. It is a celebration of lineage – or yichus – for those who’ve been told they have none. The First Jew in Canada is more than just a performance; it’s an opportunity to connect with our past, understand our present, and imagine a more inclusive future. Whether you’re seeking knowledge, kinship, or simply a compelling story, this event promises to enlighten, engage, and inspire.
Learn more about the show here.
EVENT INFO:
Date: Monday, September 28th at 5:00 PM
Location: Howard Thurman Center (808 Commonwealth Ave, Rm 104)
This event is free and open to the public. Please note that an ID is required to enter the Howard Thurman Center.
Bear’s books will be available for purchase at the event, courtesy of All She Wrote Books! This will include a pre-order of his new book.
GETTING HERE:
Arriving by car: Parking is available for guests at Agganis Arena
Arriving by MBTA: take the Green B Line to the Amory Street or BU Central stops, then walk to the Howard Thurman Center. Alternately, the 47, 57, and 85 bus lines have stops near the Howard Thurman Center.
ACCESSIBILITY:
The entrance to the Howard Thurman Center building is street level, and has push-to-open automatic doors.
Boston University strives to be accessible, inclusive and diverse in our facilities, programming and academic offerings. Your experience in this event is important to us. If you have a disability (including but not limited to learning or attention, mental health, concussion, vision, mobility, hearing, physical or other health related), require communication access services for the Deaf or hard of hearing, or believe that you require a reasonable accommodation for another reason please contact wgs@bu.edu by Monday, September 7th to discuss your needs. We will make our best effort for requests made after this date, but they are not guaranteed.
