As the Pride flag was raised on Parliament Hill on Monday morning, Justin Trudeau condemned what he called a “resurgence of hatred” towards members of the LGBTQ+ communities in Canada, particularly trans youth.
“Last year, we saw too many people, including some politicians, show they were willing to target vulnerable trans youth, denying them the freedom to get life-saving gender-affirming care — all for short-term political gain,” said the Prime Minister, in a speech marking the start of Pride Season in Canada.
The premiers of New Brunswick and Saskatchewan have made changes to how schools should now deal with children who want to change their first name or pronoun when addressed in class.
Generally speaking, these new guidelines require teachers to obtain parental consent to use the first name or preferred pronouns of a student under the age of 16 at school. For older students, parents should be informed of these changes.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s government has proposed similar changes. She also suggests banning gender-affirming medical treatments for certain transgender youth and ensuring that there are sports leagues only for “biologically female” players.
Critics say these policies put trans and non-binary students at risk of disclosure without consent, which could cause them serious harm.
Jordan Ames-Sinclair, head of two-spirit policy at the Assembly of First Nations, said Monday that homophobia and racism aimed at Indigenous people are both on the rise in Canada.
“The start of the Pride season is a festive occasion. However, I cannot discuss how far we have come as a community without acknowledging the realities experienced by so many queer and (two-spirit) youth in Canada today. »
Jordan Ames-Sinclair thanked the politicians present, while warning of another reality that political leaders are engaged in, “retrograde policy that is proven to harm 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.”
Mr. Trudeau said that when he was the first federal prime minister to participate in Pride parades in 2016, people questioned whether his participation was relevant. “This summer, no one will ask me that question,” he said.
The federal government set aside $1.5 million in its recent budget for Canada Pride to cover increased security and insurance costs for Pride events throughout the summer. all over the country. Pride Canada, which represents local festival organizers, received the same amount last year and distributed it to 50 organizations.
Mr. Trudeau deplored the fact that this “security” funding still needs to be provided, which reminds us “how vigilant we must be.”
Senator René Cormier, co-chair of the Canadian Pride Caucus in Parliament, stressed Monday in Ottawa that more than 60 countries around the world still criminalize homosexuality. He said Canada stands out as a beacon of hope for many, despite the challenges that still exist.
“Perhaps it is time for Canada to have a special envoy to advance the human rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ people,” he said, to applause from the small crowd gathered in front of the Peace Tower.
“At a time when issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression are under high tension in our country and elsewhere, due to the unprecedented rise in hatred towards 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, We are at the crossroads. We must be there, speak and act. »
“As the great Quebec songwriter Jean-Pierre Ferland, who recently died, sang: “A chance that we have / A chance that we love each other”. »