With the current landscape of travel evolving, the emphasis on the importance of accessibility is louder than ever. Narratives surrounding travels are now inclusive embracing diverse voices and experiences. This is showcased in Postcards From…, a groundbreaking travel docu-series on AMI+, with a new season centered on accessibility, sensory richness, and personal storytelling, hosted by Christa Couture.
Couture is a queer, disabled, and Indigenous artist whose multifaceted identity and experience offer depth and authenticity. Her experiences challenge the conventional norms of travel and invite us to consider the essence of representation and inclusivity.
In Postcards From… we follow Couture as she reimagines travel in eight cities across Canada: Drumheller, Fredericton, Dawson City, Salt Spring Island, Niagara Falls, Montreal, Edmonton, and Whistler, exploring each destination through the five senses.
SheDoesTheCity sits down with Couture to her about her intersectional identity, unique approach to travel, and lessons to take from Postcards From…
How has your background as a musician, writer, and broadcaster influenced your approach to hosting the show?
Being a television co-host was not on my list but when the opportunity came up, it seemed like the next step. I have never done television but as a performer, I felt like I could bring that experience in. As a touring musician, I have gotten to travel to different cities. All those experiences have made me comfortable in these new environments.
What does accessibility in travel mean to you, and how is this reflected in the series?
Accessibility is important to me. At this point in my life, it’s about representation and accessible travel. For me, the show being an accessible travel show is central to the show but not heavy-handed. It makes it powerful to me because when people watch the show, they see me with my prosthetic leg. They probably have not seen someone the same way but it creates a sort of exposure for them to be aware of their environments.
We also connect with people who have disabilities. The show is made to focus on different senses which is another way to think of inclusion. It makes us think about the different experiences people have when they travel.
How has hosting Postcards From… impacted you personally?
Personally, it’s been wonderful pushing my comfort levels. I am trying all these things I would not try on my own.
I have discovered that I am more sporty than I thought. I am an artist but on this show, I have been a part of many activities like golfing, skiing, and paddling. I am enjoying these things I never thought I would enjoy. I am discovering parts of myself that I did not tap into before. I am tapping into these activities which I wouldn’t do partly due to my disability.
It’s been fun to work on something light-hearted…I have had works with loss and grief so it has been nice to have that growth in enjoying these moments and adventures.
Can you describe a particularly memorable experience from your travels while filming the new season?
There are so many. One of the most memorable was to Dawson City in Yukon. It’s very far away and a city making its own path. Half of the town lives off the grid. Another memorable experience was in Drumheller where we tried prairie oysters which was a first and unique experience.
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Were there any challenges when hosting this show?
Figuring out what is accessible and making it available can be challenging. It can be physically tiring for me. There was a moment when I had phantom pain which does not happen as often. We learnt from that.
I had to be honest with myself when pushing my boundaries and ignoring those signals. We always make sure that I take breaks and am mindful of how much we do in a day. The biggest challenge has been making sure there is that balance.
How do you hope the representation in Postcards From… impacts a broader community of viewers?
I think representation is so powerful. There are many stories that are not represented in mainstream media. I hope seeing my body has an impact. Either people see themselves and feel represented or it opens someone’s mind a little bit. We all need to be exposed to experiences other than our own. That’s the impact.
What do you hope viewers take away from this season of Postcards From…?
I want people who felt excluded from travel to reconsider what might be available to them due to a disability or some other barrier. I hope seeing me try it in my body can encourage them to try it in their circumstances. I hope people who don’t feel secluded might consider their environments and change their community or business to include others. I hope people take some kind of insight into accessibility.
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