NDP Statement on the International Transgender Day of Visibility

Canada’s NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made the following statement:

“Today, New Democrats are joining members of the trans community to recognize and celebrate the important contributions that two-spirit, trans, and gender diverse Canadians make to our society. And we’re excited to have Randall Garrison (Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke) our Critic for 2SLGBTQI+ Rights and members of his team observing Trans Day of Visibility at the Moving Trans History Forward Conference in Victoria, B.C.

With reactionary movements in Canada and abroad working to eliminate trans people from public life, trans visibility is more important now than ever. Everyone should be free to be who they are without fear of violence, harassment or discrimination. A Canada that respects trans rights is a Canada that respects human rights. Trans inclusion benefits everyone.

We make an effort to elect Canadians of diverse backgrounds to Parliament. Last election, our Deputy Critic for 2SLGBTQI+ Rights, Blake Desjarlais (Edmonton Griesbach), made history as the first two-spirit person to be elected to the House of Commons. Canada has not yet elected an out trans person to Parliament and, with a continued commitment to diversity, we will improve trans representation in politics.

This International Women’s Day, MP Lisa Marie Barron (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) asked the prime minister to ensure that trans women are included in the upcoming National Action Plan to Combat Hate. New Democrats remain committed to addressing the rising tide of anti-trans hate and violence wherever it occurs.

As Canadians, we pride ourselves on our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Recently, the Liberal government announced that trans federal employees will have access to gender-affirming health-care procedures that are not yet included in provincial health-care coverage. This is good news, but the government has much more work to do to achieve full social, legal, and economic equality for trans Canadians.

With continued work to move trans equality forward, we can be a beacon of hope for trans people everywhere and a safer place for trans people fleeing state and non-state violence to call home. Today, and every day, New Democrats will always fight to defend trans rights.”