Mandy Goodhandy aka Amanda Taylor
is a speaker, author,
entrepreneur, recording artist and comedian.
SPEAKER OUTLINE
Mandy was the first transgender woman to be invited to participate as a singer in The Toronto Jazz Festival, first transgender person to refuse to participate in the Canadian census for excluding trans people, and Canada’s first transgender woman stand-up comic.
In 2018 Mandy penned her memoir “Just Call Me Lady” which includes her very personal challenges as a trans youth, her experiences as an adult sex worker and thoughts on segments of the LGBT community. That same year she released a music album also called “Just Call Me Lady.”. With an audio version of her book being released early 2019. She was asked to take part in the world-famous Naked Heart festival of words in 2018 at Glad Day bookstore. Her book has been getting rave reviews so far by other prominent local writers:
Drew Rowsome
(writer, editor, musician and pop culture critic)
Just Call Me Lady is a fabulously fine book whether judged as a revealing and honest autobiography, political/sexual analysis, an activist tract, or a sustained feat of comic writing. I enjoyed it immensely, laughed frequently and was moved more often than I expected.
Paul Bellini
(Canadian comedy writer for The Kids in the Hall and This Hour Has 22 Minutes)
"Just Call Me Lady" is the autobiography of Mandy Goodhandy. Some people regard Mandy as a weirdo or a hooker, but it's impossible to read this book and not see the full humanity and soul of this remarkable person. "Just Call Me Lady" is a revelation.”
http://thebuzzmag.ca/downloads/BUZZ201810-WEB.pdf
Todd Klinck
(Genie nominated screenwriter & author)
“An intriguing story that can be described best as a celebration of individuality. From her days as a male exotic dancer to her times as a shemale sex worker, Goodhandy never stops living her life with organic curiosity. Choosing comedy and confidence instead of self pity and shame, her memoirs are a unique and entertaining read.”
Steven Bereznai
(award winning author)
“Goodhandy takes us on an inspiring journey, from a “wee lassy” forced into boy clothes in Scotland to successful club owner and Canada’s first trans woman standup comedian. Funny, heart wrenching, and mesmerizing, Just Call Me A Lady feels like you’re sitting down with the most interesting friend you’ll ever have, and you never want the story to stop.”
She co-owned and operated the Toronto nightclub Club120 (120 Church St, 2nd floor) since 2006 which provided a space for both marginal and mainstream promoters. She later opened up the 120 Diner restaurant with live music and comedy shows in 2014 (120 Church St, street level).
Mandy was Grand Marshal for Toronto’s Pride 2010 parade, along with her business partner Todd Klinck. They received the theme award that year, "You Belong.”
She has now finished her second book
“Waiting for a Bus … The ins and outs of sexwork”
With official book launches beginning in 2016
Her second book focuses on her experiences online and offline as a sexworker.
Before her completion as a cis male then as a trans woman.
BIO:
Mandy has been living as a transgender woman for over thirty years.
Her comedic monologues have become a staple in Toronto comedy clubs such as Yuk Yuks, Comedy Bar, Absolute Comedy Club and many more along with her cabaret-style concerts in venues like Toronto’s Jazz Bistro. She was a speaker at the Canada wide MoMondays, an event featuring prominent folks from all walks of life.
She loves performing for mainstream crowds as a comedian and a singer. She uses song and witty banter to communicate and educate about transgender issues.
Mandy believes discussing differences and asking questions is much better than yelling and discriminating. She uses jokes, ballads, and personal storytelling to help conquer fear, anger, hate or just simple misunderstandings.
A Mandy talk includes a basic outline of her experience being a transgender woman in a non-transgender world whether it be in a hospital, everyday banking, government offices or the art worlds.
Her talking philosophy:
“I am a transgender woman so let’s discuss that. Ask me anything. I am here to help all of us to understand each other.”
The subjects should start with transgender, non-binary, gender queer folk and why they feel the way they do and maybe some background on experiences fitting in or not fitting in with the mainstream. It could also include how things could be made easier for everyone concerned regarding corporations, financial institutions, policing, government and the medical establishment.
Everything would be on the table with no subjects or questions disallowed. Mandy is known for her frankness and open-mindedness regarding educating people on these subjects.
Some of her interviews can be found on her youtube channel, her website, her blog talk radio show or her like page on Facebook.
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/MandyGoodhandy
Website:
https://www.mandygoodhandy.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Mandy-Goodhandy-aka-Amanda-Taylor-465279836970794/
Blog talk radio show:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/goodhandys
Thank you
SPEAKER REVIEWS
Jaigris Hodson PhD
Professor and Canada Research Chair (tier 2) at Royal Roads University, BC
Mandy is an engaging speaker, who combines comedy with a deep and unique blend of expertise about sex work, trans history, business and entrepreneurship. I have engaged Mandy to speak to my University classes before, and certainly would again. We always learn so much when Mandy comes to speak, and I believe her knowledge is crucial for our times!
Thérèse Bernier, PMP, MSc, PhD
Professor, Health Informatics Program
Coordinator, Health Informatics Program
School of Computer Technology
Casa Loma Campus
416 415 5000 x3744
therese.bernier@georgebrown.ca
I would like to positively recommend Amanda Taylor (aka Mandy Goodhandy) as a public speaker for your next conference. Ms. Taylor is also an excellent guest speaker for your class. I have had the pleasure of working with Amanda on several occasions and have consistently been impressed by her expertise, professionalism, and engaging presentation style.
Mandy has a remarkable ability to connect with audiences of all sizes and backgrounds. Her presentations are not only informative and insightful but also delivered with a passion that captivates and inspires listeners. Whether speaking on sex work, being an entrepreneur, managing a bar/restaurant, or using social media and the Internet to promote events, Mandy consistently demonstrates a deep knowledge of the subject matter and an ability to convey complex concepts in an accessible and relatable manner.
In addition to her outstanding speaking skills, Mandy is also highly professional and easy to work with. Mandy is always well-prepared, punctual, and responsive to any questions or needs that arise. Her positive attitude and collaborative approach make her a valuable asset to any event or organization. I wholeheartedly recommend Mandy for your next event
1349 Clarkson Road North
Mississauga, Ontario L5J 2W6
Ron Cameron-Lewis. BA AGSM;
To whom it may concern:
By way of introduction, I was a Professor in the Music Theatre Department at Sheridan College (and subsequently our joint program with the University of Toronto at Mississauga) for 36 years full time, and a total of 13 years part-time. I was honoured to be named Professor Emeritus following my retirement in 2009, I continue to work internationally as a communications consultant.
I have been asked to provide a letter of recommendation for Mandy Goodhandy, and I am delighted to do so. She is a charming public speaker, engaging and professional.
I first met Mandy when I began teaching in the new Theatre and Music Theatre electives at Sheridan College in the early 1970’s. This is before she transitioned.
We lost touch with each other after graduating, and I knew of Mandy Goodhandy years later and our paths crossed occasionally – but I didn’t realize Mandy was the person I knew from Sheridan days.
About a year ago, Sheridan College sent a Zoom link because Mandy was going to tell the story of her life. I logged on and was staggered by her story – not just what she had to say, but how fully and freely she delivered it.
I am one of the founders of Rainbow Sauga Alliance, and last spring we were planning our 2024 Pride Picnic Day for July 6. We discussed a variety of speakers, and I suggested Mandy because I was so impressed by her Zoom interview. The Board asked me to speak with her. At our first discussion, I told her the event would be family-friendly with outdoor activities for youngsters, and asked if she could adjust her content and language accordingly…which she did flawlessly.
Mandy’s speech was beautifully delivered and was totally engaging. She read some excerpts from her biography, and then led a Q-and-A session where her poise and her sense of comic timing and delivery really came into play. Our audience was spellbound.
The Board of Rainbow Sauga hopes Mandy will be able to join us again next year.
I fully support Mandy’s aspiration to speak on being trans in the mainstream, her lived experience as an entrepreneur, and on being trans in the entertainment industry.
Please contact me if you have any questions.