About Cal (they/them)
PHOTOGRAPHY
Self-portrait in my home office
Background: shot by me, Nova Scotia
Cal Campos (they/them) is a published Media Producer (photo and video) and Inclusivity Speaker from Tsí Tkaròn:to (colonially known as “Toronto”). They work from an anti-oppressive lens, supporting marginalized communities and allies in-front of and behind the camera and microphone.
Campos has been openly speaking about their story as a Lesbian in a religious upbringing, Filipinx, Queer, and Transgender person for over a decade. They have been commissioned for media and speaking work with CBC, University of Toronto, Pride Toronto, The 519, and Canada’s Queer Chamber of Commerce.
They believe Braver spaces to be vulnerable creates authentic storytelling, and hopes sharing their own story inspires others to lean in, too.
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Defining myself as a photographer, cinematographer, media producer, and public speaker is a bit of a complex thing. I’d like to think of myself as existing in multitudes: an empathetic queer non-binary person, someone curious about the unknown, and a friend. In the midst of the storm inside my brain, I love producing inclusive digital media.
I’ve been making videos for over a decade now, originally as a YouTube hobby, but decided to take it up as my main occupation and go to school for it. I have a passion for what it means to be human and an itch for honest and vulnerable storytelling - photo and video have become a vehicle for me to explore that.
Stories that showcase people being unapologetically themselves, heartbreak that defines the human experience, and the triumph after overcoming adversity inspire me. My north star is making people feel less alone.
Most of my work comes from photo and video production, although I have experience with graphic design, branding, and social media marketing. I also enjoy being on-camera talent. I have written, directed, and edited most of the pieces in my portfolio. For details, see my LinkedIn.
I predominantly work in the commercial space and am committed to uplifting stories of marginalized communities, as well as creating spaces where marginalized folks can step closer to being themselves. I give priority to marginalized groups (e.g. 2SLGBTQIA+, PGM/BIPOC) and small businesses.
I’ve had the absolute pleasure and privilege of sharing my lived experience/producing content with CBC, On Canada Project, Kids Help Phone, the University of Guelph-Humber, Humber College, Marching Arts Education in the US and the Get REAL Movement. I hope to keep working with folks who align with my values.
When I’m not storytelling, I’m connecting with students and people across Canada with the Get REAL Movement as an Inclusivity Public Speaker. I’ve been a 2SLGBTQ+ Advocate since 2013 when I started speaking openly about my own story online and have continued to work with incredible people.
Fun facts about me: I'm a game nerd. My background is in the performing arts - music and dance. I love exploring existentialism, sociology, melancholy, and EQ. Therapy and self-awareness are important to me. I love my cat, rollercoasters, and getting out of my comfort zone (I've been skydiving on a solo date!).
My email is hello@calvincampos.com. I love making new friends. Message me about any of these things listed above or just say hello.
Me at ____
I’ve been documenting my life for over a decade on my YouTube channel (AKA my diary).
Here’s my latest video reflecting on my 26th year around the sun.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Acheiré Muhammad Almoguea
Elsie Castro, edited by Cal Campos
Top: Cal on set for “Lavender: A Lesbian Love Story”
Bottom: Cal at UofT Documentary Screening for “First 48 Hours”
Campos has worked with CBC, TransCare+, Kids Help Phone, Fora: Network for Change, Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Chamber of Commerce, Pride Toronto, The 519, University of Toronto, and The Get REAL Movement.
Their north star is making people feel less alone.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Jenny Jay, edited by Cal Campos
Cal on panel for FORA 2024
They have shared their story with folks across Canada including an interview on CBC’s Metro Morning, in a web series they produced for Humber College Student Life, and 192,000+ students (and counting) with The Get REAL Movement.
Campos’s most in-depth talk is their keynote called, “My Biggest Secret Changed My Life.”
PHOTOGRAPHY
shot by me, on set for Rainbow’s Pride Documentary
About The Quiet (formerly known as Calvin Campos Media)
This photo & video organization was founded in Tsí Tkaròn:to (Toronto) in 2017 by Cal Campos whose life has been heavily affected by Western society’s lack of Brave spaces.
The Quiet’s mission is to challenge oppressive systems by reinventing production environments to center marginalized voices in storytelling.
The Quiet has proudly produced content for many diverse organizations including CBC, Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Chamber of Commerce, University of Toronto, Pride Toronto, and ON Canada Project.
