Nov 3 2025 Michelle Harper moved to Vancouver Island 10 years ago from the U.S. She joined us to discuss her experiences in Canada as a Black woman and how she finds the local queer community.
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Listen to the audio of this session:
michelle.mp3
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The summary below was generated by AI. It may contain errors. Listen to the audio version for the most accurate information.
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TL;DR:
Michelle says Nanaimo is a quieter and safer place to live than where she came from. Racism and microaggressions still happen, just in more subtle ways. She stays because she has built real community here, not because the place is perfect.
🌎 How did Michelle come to Canada and to Nanaimo?
- Born in Knoxville, Tennessee
- Moved to Canada 10 years ago through family sponsorship after marrying her wife.
- Lived in Calgary for about three years
- Moved to Nanaimo seven years ago
- First visit to Vancouver Island felt like “home,” wanted to put down roots and retire there.
- Queer woman, biracial, American, brings intersecting perspectives to the move.
- Still feels strong attachment to Nanaimo despite a pending divorce.
- Says the island’s beauty and pace of life were decisive.
🏙️ What was her experience living in Calgary as a Black woman?
- Described Alberta as “cruel.”
- Diversity exists, but daily life felt tense for people of colour and queer folks.
- Followed in stores by staff or security.
- Kept circles small to feel safe.