Changing the Face of Leadership in Canada

Tyler Boyce

During Pride Month, BEKH proudly shines a spotlight on Tyler Boyce, a Kenyan and Somali Black Queer leader who has made significant contributions to the business world and the advancement of Black 2SLGBTQI+ rights in Canada. Tyler’s remarkable vision and innovation as a leader has culminated in his recognition as one of Future of Good’s 30 Young Impact Leaders to Watch. Through his work, he has consistently championed diversity, inclusion, and equity within the business sector. His inspiring leadership empowers others within the community to embrace their identities and pursue their aspirations.  In addition to his professional endeavors, Tyler is an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa where he teaches Deconstruction on Racism in Law. By being a visible leader, he has shown that diversity in leadership positions is not only necessary but also beneficial.

Carving A Unique Path: Tyler Boyce and The Enchanté Network

Currently, Tyler serves as the first Black Queer executive director of The Enchanté Network (TEN), Canada's largest network of 2SLGBTQI+ organizations. The national non-profit organization connects and supports over 200 pride centres and 2SLGBTQI+ service providers, including community health centers and Aids service organizations (ASOs), across the country. Their main objective is to fortify a robust, stable, and sustainable 2SLGBTQI+ sector in Canada. TEN achieves this in two ways: firstly, through advocacy, by identifying and addressing the most urgent policy issues affecting the community, and secondly, they prioritize building the capacity of Queer and Trans organizations to fully participate in reshaping the sector.

Tyler's role at TEN stems from his work as a nationally recognized human rights activist and his expertise in Public Policy conducting national-level research, with a specific focus on the intersection between Blackness and Queerness. When the opportunity arose for a new executive director at TEN, Tyler, already familiar with the mission, made the decision to put himself forward as a candidate and was ultimately chosen to fill the position.

One of the flagship initiatives under his leadership is the "Back to Our Roots'' project, which is funded by the federal government to lay the foundation for the first-ever national Black 2SLGBTQI+ organization. “This will be the first time in the history of this country that, on a national stage, Black queer and trans folks have organizational representation,” he said. “Thanks to Minister Marci Ien’s office, with this one year project grant we’re able to really have the resources necessary to turn this idea into something tangible.”

Navigating Intersectionality: The Black and 2SLGBTQI+ Experience

Tyler emphasizes the importance of guiding others in the Canadian business landscape towards a mutual understanding that Blackness and Queerness are not two separate identities but rather constitute an interconnected whole. He believes that the barriers and opportunities he encounters as a Black person are just as much a part of his experience as those he faces as a Queer individual. As a Black and 2SLGBTQI+ business leader, these two identities are central to his work at TEN. The network is frequently sought after to provide insights into the Black Queer experience, whether it is for initiatives targeted at Black communities or Queer and Trans communities.

“We belong in both of those spaces to make sure that the work being done is truly intersectional and not only benefiting those who align with existing societal power structures,” said Tyler. “For a long time, I think that Black Queer folks have felt that they have to choose, either do we want to be Black or do we want to be Queer, and not really having space to live fully. At The Enchanté Network, we’re really modeling the possibility of being able to live fully within both identities.”

Challenges and Triumphs: The Journey of a Black Queer Leader in Canada

One of the greatest challenges in Tyler’s career is the low expectations placed on Black leaders due to a lack of representation in leadership positions. This stereotype requires Black Queer individuals to work harder for their ambition, drive, and skills to be seen and shift the narrative around what leadership can look like.

On the other end, Tyler points out that the very qualities that set Black Queer leaders apart has the potential to threaten the status quo because they bring their own values, perspectives, and worldviews into the way that they lead organizations. “There’s almost a culture that there's a singular prerogative for worldbuilding based on that archetype of sameness, of homogeneity. When you come into that space as a Black Queer leader, you are going to ruffle feathers because you’re proposing solutions from a completely different vantage point.” It is Tyler’s view that different perspectives in leadership circles will result in stronger, more inclusive policies.

Shaping Future Leaders: Mentorship and Growth

Tyler is a firm believer in the transformative power of mentorship and credits his career trajectory to the Black women who believed in his abilities. He recalled his stint as a Public Policy analyst at Turner Consulting Group, where he had the chance to hone his skills under the guidance of a Black woman leader.

His mentorship program at TEN matches emerging Queer and Trans executive directors with more experienced directors in the non-profit space. Through this program, he's been able to incubate his experience at the consulting firm for the next generation of Black, Indigenous, and racialized Queer and Trans leaders.

Envisioning an Inclusive Future

Looking forward, Tyler hopes to see the increased representation of Black 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in the business world. He calls on businesses to play their part in safeguarding human rights and inspiring other Black Queer and Trans individuals to take on leadership roles and venture into the entrepreneurial space.

His biggest advice for other aspiring Black 2SLGBTI+ leaders is to develop and maintain an unshakeable sense of self, ensuring the spaces they enter are left changed when they exit, and to be open to constructive feedback.

To effect change, he acknowledges that the Black entrepreneurship space must dismantle the systemic homophobia and transphobia it harbors. He advocates for moving beyond mere platitudes of acceptance and instead taking concrete action that supports Black Queer and Trans entrepreneurs.

Tyler’s efforts have helped foster a more inclusive environment that celebrates the intersectionality of race, sexual orientation, and gender identity. His work is a reminder that true leadership goes beyond authority–it’s about creating space for everyone to be heard, respected, and valued.