Trans issues, LGBT seniors and violence prevention key issues in 2011 election

Ottawa: Today in the House of Commons, the Conservative government lost a motion of non-confidence, confirming that a general election is imminent. As the writ drops, so too does the unprecedented progress made in this session of Parliament toward recognizing and affirming the equality rights of trans Canadians. It is absolutely critical that momentum be maintained on the issues represented by Bill C-389, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (gender identity and gender expression), especially as the eyes of the nation turn from the halls of Parliament to the frenetic politicking of a general election. In addition, this election must address the challenges facing LGBT seniors today, as well the disturbing trend in violent hate crimes against the LGBT community across the country.

This past session of Parliament has been historic. It is the first time issues of gender identity and gender expression have been debated in the House of Commons, and the first time that the voices of trans Canadians have be entered into the public record. These are significant steps toward explicitly recognizing and affirming the equality-rights of trans Canadians. However, there is much more to be done to ensure that discrimination, harassment and hate-motivated violence against the trans community is not permitted to continue unnoticed and unchallenged. Improved access to appropriate health care is essential, as is a streamlined process for updating identification documents.

Canada's population is aging, and our growing demographic of seniors includes lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people. Sadly, the unique needs and experiences of LGBT seniors have gone largely ignored. Having lived most of their days at a time when gay and lesbian relationships were illegal, homosexuality was pathologized as a mental illness, and same-sex marriage was little more than a dream, they have made immense sacrifices to secure the rights and protections that exist today. However, for many, these sacrifices have included losing ties to their biological family, not having children to care for them in their later years, or remaining in low-paying jobs where they were not at risk of being fired because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Today, despite a lifetime of fighting to live openly, many are forced to return to the closet due to unwelcoming and insensitive environments in long-term care facilities. All debate on the needs of seniors in Canada must include the perspectives of the LGBT community.

Between 2007 and 2008, the largest increase in reported hate crimes in Canada were those motivated by sexual orientation, which more than doubled. In 2008, 75% of hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation were violent crimes, with common assault being the most frequent type of violent offence. As a result, hate incidents motivated by sexual orientation were more likely than any other type of hate crime to result in physical injury to victims. Even more startling, half of the victims of hate crimes in Canada were between 12 and 24 years old, and 59% of all persons charged with a hate crime in Canada were between 12 and 22 years old. This at a time when LGBT teen suicide is shockingly preponderant. Concrete action is needed now to combat homophobia and transphobia in our schools and communities in order to halt this alarming trend.

These are a few of the imperatives that must command our attention as we go forward into an election. As Canadians, we have a responsibility to care for those among us who have been denied the opportunities, rights and protections that others take for granted. As phones begin to ring and button-clad canvassers grace our streets, Egale Canada will be looking to parties and candidates alike for concrete plans to address these issues.

Egale Canada ©2011

Canada's LGBT human rights organization: advancing equality, diversity, education, and justice.