Category: Trans Rights

  • Anatomy of a Transphobic Article

    Anatomy of a Transphobic Article

    I was deeply dismayed when the Globe and Mail published a transphobic article written by Margaret Wente over the weekend. I bring it up because on the outset that article seems innocuous. Clearly the editorial staff didn’t see any problem with it. To give a bit of context, this article follows a positive piece done by MacLean’s on…

  • Trans Day of Rememberance

    Trans Day of Rememberance

    Today, November 20th, is the trans day of remembrance. The name is a bit of a misnomer, because gives the impression that it’s about the past when unfortunately it speaks to a very real present. I’d like to share some statistics: 64% of LGBTQ youth report feeling unsafe in their schools. 90% of trans youth…

  • A Baby Step Improvement

    A Baby Step Improvement

    The company I work for has an employee assistance program through its insurance policy. It’s a self-help website with material focused around health and well-being. A year and some ago, I approached them about their stuff on queer and trans issues. It was just a mess. In particular, their articles touching trans issues were so…

  • Bill C-279

    Bill C-279

    I was in Parliament the other day, to attend the vote on the third reading of Bill C-279 in the House of Commons. It passed, despite the Conservative Party being near-unanimous in its opposition. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to present, on behalf of thousands of people who sent these to my office, petitions in…

  • Trans Day of Remembrance

    Trans Day of Remembrance

    Saturday, November 20th, was the Transgender Day of Remembrance. In Ottawa, this was celebrated with the unraveling of a flag at the headquarters of the Ottawa Police, followed by a march to Parliament Hill and a candlelight vigil. NDP MP Bill Siksay, the man with the megaphone in the picture above, was there to speak about bill…