This text is part of the special edition Pride Montreal
Transphobic discourses of instrumentalization of children are multiplying in the public space, to the point of having pushed thousands of people to demonstrate against the “threat of trans ideology” last fall. Through this hubbub, trans and non-binary youth are struggling to be heard and, above all, listened to.
“It is often said that people who are not adults are more impressionable, more vulnerable and therefore need to be protected. Whether for ideological reasons or political convictions, some will consider that our existence undermines the balance of the world,” says James Galantino, executive director of the Quebec LGBT Council. An effective way to rally people to this discourse is through the argument that they must “defend” their child, who is likely to be “converted,” he adds. “Unfortunately, this is a tactic that works well and that pushes the population to mobilize against us, even though it is based on false information.”
LGBTQ+ organizations are nevertheless categorical: the children to protect are those who are transitioning or who are questioning their gender identity. According to the Canadian Trans and Non-Binary Youth Health Survey published in 2020, 66% of these young people were victims of bullying or ridicule in the previous year. “These children, if we don’t listen to them or bring them to the right health professionals, they will grow up developing problems like anxiety, stress or low self-esteem,” says Victoria Legault, executive director of the organization Aide aux trans du Québec (ATQ).
In schools, trans and non-binary youth are still the target of mockery or bullying by their peers. In Quebec, 43% of LGBTQ+ students report feeling unhappy or depressed because of a hostile environment in their school, according to a 2020 study conducted as part of the SAVIE-LGBTQ research project. “Often, young people or families who want to speak out are hesitant to do so publicly for fear of backlash“They then turn to more anonymous methods of reporting, but which have less impact,” underlines James Galantino.
Support in gender exploration
Fear of detransition also leads to strong resistance to the issue of gender reaffirmation care. However, according to a report of 27 studies conducted among some 8,000 people who had this type of operation in Europe, the United States or Canada, only 1% of respondents expressed temporary or persistent regret. Conversely, science shows that this care helps to radically reduce the risk of depression and suicidal tendencies in young people. “We are not asking that any minor be able to obtain hormones overnight. What we want is for each child to be supported, and that after an assessment by a health professional competent in this field, they have access to the care appropriate for them,” maintains the executive director of ATQ.
Beyond simply protecting trans and non-binary children, celebrating their existence is just as essential, says Gen Ste-Marie, who is the general director of TransEstrie. “We need more initiatives to give young people a voice. We don’t give enough voice to those for whom transition works, who are comfortable in their own skin, who are fulfilled.” In his eyes, these children are politicized and educated enough to express themselves clearly and strongly on these issues.
Fierté Montréal will also be holding a panel on August 4 to provide a platform for young trans leaders to talk about their experiences and their hopes for a more inclusive future. “We need to stop seeing gender exploration as something we don’t wish on anyone or that is problematic,” says Gen Ste-Marie. “It’s a journey that can also help us better identify gender inequalities and stereotypes.”
This content was produced by the Special Publications Team of Dutyrelevant to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part in it.