OFL STATEMENT
November 19, 2014
It’s Time to Make Trans Human Rights the Law:
OFL Statement on the Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20, 2014
November 20 is recognized around the world as the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR). It is meant as a day to challenge prejudice and hatred, to memorialize those who have been killed as a result of anti-transgender violence and to ensure that their names are not forgotten. The day is also dedicated to raising public awareness about hate crimes committed against transgender people and the discrimination, harassment and violence that is too often a part of their daily lives. Vigils are held around the world to express love and respect for transgender people in the face of national indifference and hatred.
International Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is a moment for trans communities – as well as their allies, friends and loved ones – to come together to remember, memorialize and honour the lives of those killed worldwide in transphobic hate crimes and at the hands of transphobia in all its forms. This day is regarded worldwide as the most significant annual date for trans community actions. Since the first TDoR event was held on November 20, 1999, the day has grown in both scope and recognition. Hundreds of events are planned this year, spanning at least 20 countries. For a full listing see www.transgenderdor.org.
This year, the Ontario Federation of Labour will be hosting our Pride Conference in Toronto, called “Out4Equality,” from November 20 to 22, 2014. Labour activists and conference delegates, as members of the trans community and its allies, will participate in the Trans Day of Remembrance Community Event at the 519 Church Street Community Centre.
Ontario society has a long way to go before the transgender community can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with gender-conforming people and proclaim that they have equal access to social equality and justice.
Access to housing, employment, education and appropriate medical care are but a few of the major areas in which trans people are much more likely to be confronted by both individual acts of discrimination, as well as systemic exclusion and invisibility. The remarkable truth is that trans people in Canada face a variety of hurdles in accessing basic programs and services that are taken for granted by many people who’s self-identity conforms with the gender attributed to their biological sex – known as “cisgender” people. These challenges are made even more severe when considering the ongoing impacts of racism, ableism, classism and misogyny on trans individuals across the country.
The impact of transphobia in Canada takes many forms. In Ontario, the Trans PULSE Project revealed that 20% of trans Ontarians have been the targets of physical or sexual assaults because they are trans and another 34% have experienced verbal harassment or threats. These numbers are truly horrifying and yet we must also recognize that there are so many unheard stories of discrimination, exclusion and isolation that go unreported and unacknowledged in the media and in our communities. To put an end to this heinous violence, we must collectively call on the Senate and the federal government to pass Bill C-279, Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (gender identity). This Bill would add “gender identity and gender expression” to the Canadian Human Rights Code, as well as the hate crime sentencing provisions of the Criminal Code.
The OFL recognizes the International Transgender Day of Remembrance and celebrate the lives of the trans people who are killed each year by those who harbour fear and hatred. Workers must join communities in educating and understanding transgender identities to bring an end to the ignorance and fear that is at the root of transphobia. Let us work together to create a just society in which all people are respected, accepted and welcomed without prejudice based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, social class, economic situation, ability or age.
For further information:
Joel Duff, OFL Communications Director: 416.707.0349 (mobile) or JDuff@ofl-org.flywheelsites.com *ENG/FRE*
