The First Jew in Canada: A Trans Tale is a wild journey in story, crossing oceans, religions, genders, and centuries, mapping the life of Jacques LaFargue – the trans Jewish 18th century historical figure whose very existence challenges current perceptions of transgender history and identity. Through the lens of nine verifiable facts, this show begins with the historical records of Jacques LaFargue and overlays the personal narrative of narrator S. Bear Bergman, a Jewish transgender man whose modern life mirrors Jacques’s in startling, hilarious, and exhausting ways. From daring adventure to startling truth, each fact becomes a gateway to exploring broader themes of identity, history, and the desire to be seen.
Participant Bios
S. Bear Bergman is an author, storyteller, educator and the founder of children’s book press Flamingo Rampant. He writes creative non-fiction for grown ups, fiction for children, and was the co-editor (along with Kate Bornstein) of Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation. These days he spends most of his time making trans cultural competency interventions any way he can and trying to avoid stepping on his children’s Lego. His forthcoming book is The Fresh End of a Long Thread/The First Jew in Canada from Arsenal Pulp in April, 2027.
The Incredible True Story Of Jacques LaFargue, The 18th Century Transgender Jewish Ancestor You’ve Never Heard Of! is organized by S. Bear Bergman as a part of the 2026 Circa: Queer Histories Festival, presented by One Institute.
One Gallery is an art gallery and cultural programming space operated by One Institute, the oldest active LGBTQ+ organization in the country. Located in the heart of West Hollywood, One Gallery is dedicated to hosting archival and contemporary art installations that showcase LGBTQ+ history. Through partnerships with established and emerging community partners, the gallery also serves as a low-cost, multi-purpose space for community meetings, creative workshops, classes, and other mission-aligned programming.