[#MeToo] has us talking about a broad spectrum of behaviour… this piece is not about trauma, but rather lies on the everyday sexism end of the spectrum where women are still regarded in the professional sphere as objects or potential dates before professionals whose accomplishments and expertise are positive contributions to their field.

I saw people with HUGE networks, and toyed with the idea of becoming a L.I.O.N., but realized that reaching out to ask for a connection didn’t feel comfortable (especially with all that advice about how asking for a connection without a personalized message was spammy) and I didn’t actually have that many requests to accept. It also didn’t feel like “me” for some reason, though I wasn’t sure why. 
 

There are challenges with being a woman in a male-dominated industry that still require some attention. Networking, for one.

With the opportunity to hear from the likes of the National Ballet of Canada, Shaw Festival, Hot Docs, Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, Canadian Stage, and the National Arts Centre, I was no less excited for this year’s Arts Reach conference than I was for my first visit last year.