Taylor Neal
“Being a woman to me no longer refer to a box which I have to cram myself into, but rather a place where I can expand from.”
Taylor is a queer Canadian multidisciplinary artist, sexuality writer, yoga and dance instructor, and sexual assault response worker. She is committed to breaking down barriers, amplifying marginalized voices, and creating spaces for people to feel safe and free within their own bodies.
Watch our full interview with Taylor
“Just by existing, you have something to say that no one else offers.”
Originally based in Montreal, Canada, Taylor found herself working in the fashion industry as a costume designer for renowned brands like Disney and Cirque Du Soleil when the pandemic struck. Fueled by personal interests, experiences, and a recent heartbreak, she made a life-altering decision to relocate to Vancouver. There, she assumed a vital role as a support worker and advocate for sex workers in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) community.
Passionate about sex workers' rights and sexual healing, Taylor aimed to be a resource for those who had nowhere else to turn, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic. Working on the frontline in the DTES, she provided one-on-one support and harm reduction to women and gender-diverse individuals in the industry, actively engaging in what she describes as "active listening" and showing up for others by "shutting the f*ck up."
“I think it’s a real skill to actively be present and listen to somebody and a lot of that just looks like shutting the f*ck up.”
After this role, Taylor decided to embark on a new adventure with her best friend when they purchased a van, renovated it, and lived in it for six months. Although some aspects of this lifestyle were a "dream," Taylor is quick to dispel the #vanlife that is often romanticized online. During this time, one of the significant challenges she faced (other than finding somewhere to go to the bathroom in the early hours of the morning) was figuring out how to make an income while on the road.
Taylor always loved writing, so she decided to start writing about what she knew best - sex. Drawing from her personal and professional experiences, Taylor’s writing explores themes of pleasure, sexual liberation, autonomy, and expression, with a particular emphasis on reclaiming the body after the traumatic experience of sexual violence.
As Taylor found her voice, others started to listen. She began landing gigs with like-minded clients, forming connections that would lead to today.
“The body is the only thing in the world that is actually, really truly yours, so when someone takes it from you, that can flip your whole world upside down.”
Taylor's creative expression extends beyond writing; she also channels her artistic energy into dance, burlesque, and photography. In her photographic work, Taylor actively strives to establish safe and empowering spaces for women and gender-diverse individuals to freely express themselves. Through burlesque, she not only shapes her artistic identity but also influences her self-perception and sense of belonging in the world.
In her journey from the fashion industry of Montreal to the streets of Vancouver, Taylor has woven a tapestry of resilience and empowerment. Her commitment to breaking down barriers, amplifying marginalized voices, and reclaiming her narrative through a variety of art forms is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of embracing one's true self. Taylor's story serves as a beacon of strength and authenticity, inspiring others to find their voices and create spaces for self-expression, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate world.
“I think I kind of constantly have a shifting relationship with what it means to be a woman. Sometimes it feels really natural for me to identify as a woman, and sometimes it feels really difficult to fit into that identity. Right now being a woman means whatever I want it to mean, and that can change on an everyday basis.”
