Şansal Güngör Gümüşpala
I’m More Than The Immigrant You Had In Mind is a powerful project that highlights the diverse and multifaceted identities of immigrants in Canada. The project aims to challenge the stereotypes often associated with newcomers, offering a richer and more nuanced view of their lives, passions, and contributions. Join us as we share the personal stories of immigrants from all walks of life, shedding light on their hopes, dreams, and pursuit of belonging in their new home.
I took those scrapbooks. I took those like, negative, newspaper articles… ridiculing about LGBTQ people and embroidered on them… putting some glitter to lovely figures of the queer past and…I think I created a nice cozy space for people who were subject of these harmful news.
Name: Şansal Güngör Gümüşpala
Originally From: Türkiye
Photographs by Abadan Hamaidulla
In this heartfelt interview, Şansal, originally from Turkey, shares their journey of moving to Canada and pursuing their academic dreams. They reflect on the challenges of being away from family and friends, missing important milestones, and the emotional toll of distance. Despite these struggles, Şansal has found immense joy and success in their studies, completing their master’s in sociology and preparing to start their PhD.
Şansal also talks about their passion for creating community and the transformative power of art. They discuss their work with archives, particularly focusing on LGBTQ+ history, and how they used embroidery to reimagine negative portrayals of marginalized groups in old newspapers. By blending humor and creativity, Şansal created a space for healing and empowerment, challenging harmful narratives and fostering a more inclusive future.
Tune in to hear how Şansal’s academic achievements, artistic endeavors, and commitment to inclusivity have shaped their journey and brought them closer to a sense of home.
This project is produced and presented to you by the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria and powered by the Department of Canadian Heritage.
