The story is not over for the trans rights bill, Bill C-389. The Bill was passed in Parliament on February 9th (though barely – 143 to 135!) and now needs to get approved in the Senate.

This bill puts legal protection on the table for transgendered, transsexual and gender non-conforming people. It adds gender identity to the Canadian Human Rights Code. It calls harassment and discrimination against trans people what it is: a hate crime. Essentially, it’s a step toward protection, equality, and human rights for all people – regardless of how they express their gender. 

Last night, I took 15 minutes to contact all of the Quebec senators to tell them that I care about this Bill, and encouraged them to vote for it. It felt gooood. Frankly, the Conservative-dominated Senate is not the happiest place for this Bill to go, so I want to show that we’re watching and listening.

If you want to show your support too, Egale Canada has a list of all the senators’ contact info and also a handy template email that you can use to make your statement. They include a myth-buster document about the Bill, too, to address some of the stereotypes and falsities emanating from the House of Commons (e.g.: “This Bill will encourage sexual predators to lurk in girls bathrooms!”) 

Head & Hands is proud to work closely with so many trans-identified youth throughout Montreal and support them in their health needs. But transphobia is widespread and real – so we have our work cut out for us. Solidaritay, all the way! 

For more information, check out the campaign on Facebook and this recent story in the Globe and Mail.