Hate directed towards transgender people has been front and centre in the news cycle lately. In fact, there have been more anti-LGBTQ2S demonstrations so far this year in Canada than in all of 2021 and it’s mostly related to anti-transgender protests and violence. Even though there has been a rise in targeted hate towards the transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) community, this group has been facing barriers in accessing healthcare, employment and housing for a long time.

Here are some facts:

• Exclusion can make it more difficult for TGNC Calgarians to access jobs and services, and to feel welcome and supported in the community.
• TGNC people are twice as likely to experience severe poverty and homelessness compared with the general population.
• Fear of encountering transphobia causes many transgender people to avoid shelters. This means that they can’t access services and support that could help them get off the streets and into more permanent housing.
• According to Statistics Canada TGNC individuals were five times more likely to report poor or fair mental health than those who were cisgender and also more likely to have seriously contemplated suicide in their lifetimes than those who were cisgender.
• Because poverty and incarceration rates are inherently intertwined, trans people are overrepresented in Canada’s justice system and although Canadian data is limited, this US study found as many as one in six trans people being incarcerated at some point in their lives.
• A 2019 study found that the Canadian prison system does not comply with best or humane practices for transgender prisoners that are required by international and Canadian human rights laws.

VCC is continually exploring steps our staff, leadership and community can take to advance allyship and inclusion. As we press on in this journey, we encourage you to consider how you can be an ally to the TGNC community. Today on the Transgender Day of Visibility join us with reflecting on our own biases and increasing awareness about the challenges the TGNC community face. Also, check out these actions to participate and honour Transgender Day of Visibility.

Resources

• Check out these Tips on how to practice 2SLGBTQI Allyship 
• Queer Compass is a centralized resource database for Individuals and Service Providers living and working within the gender and sexually diverse community. 
• Skipping Stone provides affirming care to trans and gender-diverse youth, adults, and families.