The passage of Bill 2 represents a clear victory for trans and non-binary communities for the recognition of their fundamental rights. However, there is still a long way to go to make Quebec a truly inclusive, affirmative and safe province. The next national plan to combat homophobia and transphobia must take this into account.
On June 17, the civil status reform adopted by the National Assembly entered into force. In its first version, this reform represented a dangerous setback for the rights of trans and non-binary people. Today, thanks to the efforts of the 2SLGBTQIA+ groups, this setback has turned into progress. Not only do non-binary people now have access to legal recognition of their gender identity, but the fees for accessing a change of gender designation are also waived for anyone on a first request. For communities whose median income is below the poverty line, this is a historic achievement.
But after this victory, other fights remain. It might indeed be tempting to sit on the laurels of this political victory. However, the reality is that there is still a great deal of work to be done. Quebec has taken a step, and it must now complete the marathon.
Adapted transition processes
Being able to change your name in the civil status for free is essential. On the other hand, a transition can be much more than that. Let’s take a moment to talk about medical transition.
Having access to gender affirmation care in Quebec is not easy. Few family physicians agree to prescribe hormone therapy to their trans patients (although they have the right and the ability to do so), and many seek the advice of a mental health professional, psychologist, psychiatrist, sexologist, worker social worker and social worker, to write a reference. Then, two options are available: wait six, even eight or even ten months to hope to see an endocrinologist in the public network, or pay to have faster access to the private network.
I’m not even talking about surgeries, where the lists are even longer, where the criteria are even more rigid and, in many cases, where the costs are astronomical. For many, access to gender affirmation care is an inaccessible luxury, the financial barriers being insurmountable. However, respect for gender identity is a right recognized by the Quebec Charter, and even by the Constitution. Tell me, should respect for fundamental rights depend on an individual’s financial capacity to claim them?
Safe communities
Hate crimes against trans people have been on a massive increase since 2017 in Canada. However, since 2015, we have seen a gradual improvement in the rights of trans people across the country. So what explains this reality?
If trans people have obtained much more visibility in recent years, this visibility has not been accompanied by a sufficient effort in awareness, demystification and education. The National Plan against Homophobia and Transphobia 2017-2022 seems to have forgotten the importance of popular education in reducing transphobia in the population. Indeed, misunderstanding and fear of difference are among the main sources of transphobia, and can lead to hate crimes.
These are just some of the issues that trans and non-binary communities still face today. So we can’t afford to rest, we have to keep moving forward.
When he presents his 2022-2027 Plan, Minister Jolin-Barette will have to take responsibility. The Minister cannot remain passive following his civil status reform, he must present us with a plan that goes further. A plan that takes into consideration the real issues of trans and non-binary people. A plan that not only puts a band-aid on the problems, but seeks to address the sources of transphobia. And above all, a plan built for the communities and, above all, with the communities.
Minister, you have taken a first step. Are you ready to run this marathon with me?