Jocelyn Wong (she/her) is a Youth Community Organizer based out of B.C., on the Unceded Coast Salish territories of the the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. She is a Redefining Leadership Fellow at Platform.

Learn more about how Jocelyn is redefining leadership in this Q&A!

While currently working on a project called Wellness Beyond the Binary, a digital resource for use by marginalized genders in the greater Vancouver area to access resources for life and pleasure affirming health care, she is also working on a project called Binaries Are Bullshit, a zine and open digital space for queer youth to offer an interpretation of their unique identities through writing or art. The theme for Issue 1of the publication will be Sexuality & Pleasure.

Jocelyn’s work as an advocate for queer rights also goes beyond the work she’s doing for the Morris J. Wosk Center for Dialogue, where they help train people to hold space for transformative conversations on topics like the opioid crisis, homelessness, racial equity and transit. Jocelyn has also been working to advocate and bring awareness to military sexual violence in Canada, where discussion surrounding the increase of sexual abuse and violence within the military are highlighted.

1) What inspired you to push for the work you do? How did you get started in community organizing?

When I was in high school, there was this initiative called Youth Philanthropy Initiative, where you had to contact a local organization and advocate through a number of presentations. I remember choosing the BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse. I felt like I was really pushed into this world that I was really unfamiliar with. And I think I’ve just always been really interested in specifically writing about things that are stigmatized. I remember walking home one day, and trying to understand why I was so upset about it. Recently, through therapy I realized that I felt like I failed. When I fail to tell the stories of other people, that I’m failing to tell my own story as a survivor of sexual abuse. That project really showed me that I need to continue to advocate for myself where I want to see change, and that I need to continually do so, even if I fail.
As it can be uncomfortable to be the one to unpack these types of topics, especially sexual abuse. Anything around sexuality, gender, and the intersection of gender and sexuality. I think it’s something that just personally is affecting my life so much, and to attract and like empathize and connect with a lot of people.

2) What does community work look like to you now versus when you first got started? 

I was once leading a club in high school called Harmony and Action. We worked with the UN as well as WeDay. I thought I was doing something justice. But I realize, as my journey with community organizing has grown, that I have so much more appreciation for smaller grassroot organizations. At my workplace we’re often considering the people that are left out of the conversations. I think my journey with it has changed, because I don’t look to change the world, or like to make overnight change.

There’s an Indigenous belief that we should sow the seeds for the next generation. Maybe this generation we won’t see racism ending, but in 2, 3, 4, 5 generations forward, because we’ve sown that seed, then we will see it. I have not lowered my expectations, but I see the value in smaller projects and what I gained from it.

3) What is the most meaningful leadership advice you received? How do you implement that in the work you do?

My mom once told me: “Always give with no expectation of receiving back.”

 It stuck with me and lends well to the idea of community care and mutual aid. When someone in my community, whether that be the AAPI, queer, disability community, requires help, I’ve learnt to support in ways that are not transactional or conditional.

I don’t think you’re owed a ‘thank you’ or pat on the back for doing something one might consider good. I also don’t think it should be shameful to call for support. In holding compassion for others when they’re suffering, I hope that the same will be done for me when I need it most.

You have to help because you believe it’s the right thing to do – because your liberation is in some way tied with theirs. When I take action, I choose to do so because it aligns with my values. And my values essentially boil down to having humanity and love for those who are struggling with some sort of systemic issue, which every person encounters in some way. 

4) Which project stood out the most to you? What kind of community impact did it have?

As an Asian person, I was really deeply affected by the Atlanta shootings that happened last year. Through casual conversations with my friends, we were able to air out our grievances and talk about how we were affected. We identified this need for, unfortunately, self defense. My good friend, who is professionally trained in Muay Thai and Boxing, and I, decided to create a series of self defense training videos, where we recorded and edited it on our phone. We sent it as a free resource to multiple Asian community organizations. I can’t say the impact was super large, or that the quality of the videos were amazing or professional in any way, it was really meaningful for me and my friend, to put that effort into something that we’re really passionate about, and to offer this resource for free.

Even though it’s not something that I necessarily continue now. I just look back at it really fondly as something that I see as truly grassroots work. You see a need for the community and you do the work to show your solidarity.

Even though it’s not something that I necessarily continue now. I just look back at it really fondly as something that I see as truly grassroots work. You see a need for the community and you do the work to show your solidarity.

5) What can you tell someone looking to get started in organizing, or looking to do better and more meaningful work?

I really appreciate Platform because they’re allowing the space for more radical honesty around things. A lot of organizations say that they are nonpartisan or non political, but so many lives are, and if it affects their lives and freedom then I consider that political.

I would also say stay true to yourself. Check if the actions of the organization aligns with your intentions, because it’s so easy for these organizations to try to mean well, only to be really extractive of communities. Don’t consider organizations to be complete experts. I think the work of activists in general is life-long work. You’re continually doing work within yourself and thinking about the gaps for problems that you need to work on, all while supporting your community in hopes that when you need that assistance, that they’re there for you too.

I see activism, community organizing or civil engagement as less of a position or job, and more something you choose to do in your life because you believe that we deserve liberation.

6) What do you think is/are important when engaging in anti-racist/anti-oppressive work?

I think it’s extremely important to remember that the most marginalized folks should always be centered and placed at the forefront of the movement. You must value their perspectives and always ensure that you’re compensating the people you engage with – especially if they are racialized and are personally impacted by the topic of your work. While your care and positive intentions are valid, one can very easily co-opt a movement that isn’t theirs, causing further harm and invisibility to that community. It’s also important to approach this work through an intersectional lens.

I accepted early on that I’d inevitably make a mistake and say or do something wrong in the process of trying to be an ally. This is okay because overall, it’s not about you. If you make a mistake, learn and move on from it. The communities you’re with won’t benefit from you ruminating on your guilt. I think that’s a major thing to reckon with if you plan on diving into the world of racial justice. 

Lastly, I’d like to note that your research and reflections on anti-racism should be varied. The painful and tragic histories of Black people around the world should be known. But in addition to this, we should also celebrate Black excellence by reading and supporting Black folks and their art.

You can follow more of Jocelyn’s work at @joceamber.