Calls to Action for Elected Officials and Canadian Governments
Rainbow Week of Action
Anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate is on the rise across Canada, jeopardizing the safety, rights and equality of 2SLGBTQIA+ people - particularly Black, Indigenous, racialized and transgender community members.
In the last two years, we’ve seen hundreds of hate-motivated protests targeting our community, accompanied by a rise in hate-motivated violence. In the last year, three Canadian provinces have begun restricting the rights and freedoms of transgender youth and their families. Instead of delivering for our families and addressing the big issues facing Canadians - the housing crisis, the state of our healthcare system and the cost of living - certain politicians are sowing division to pit Canadians against each other.
This is not only about 2SLGBTQIA+ people - this is about defending our shared vision of a more free and equal Canada. A Canada where we are all free to be ourselves, protected from discrimination and treated with dignity. Where we aren't divided by our differences but united in our diversity. Where politicians deal with the big issues facing our communities, instead of sowing division and fear to gain power.
Over the past 20 years, we have made immense progress on 2SLGBTQIA+ equality, but discrimination, hate and inequality persist. With anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate on the rise, the progress we’ve made is at risk.
That's why we are calling on Canadian Governments and Elected Officials to reject hate and take action for Rainbow Equality - and a more free and equal Canada - for everyone.
Our specific calls to action from elected officials and different levels of government include:
For Elected Officials:
- Publicly condemn the rise in anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate taking place across Canada.
- Speak up in the House of Commons, Council Meetings or Legislature and urge action to advance equality and address rising hate.
- Explore concrete actions you can take to advance equality for 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians
For the Government of Canada:
- Update the Federal 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan to strengthen anti-hate measures, 2SLGBTQIA+ economic development and long-term funding for 2SLGBTQIA+ community organizations.
- Work alongside 2SLGBTQIA+ civil society, health organizations, provinces and territories to improve 2SLGBTQIA+ health and well-being, including access to and coverage of gender-affirming healthcare.
- Implement the 29 policy solutions contained in the White Paper on the Status of Trans and Gender Diverse People.
For Provincial and Territorial Governments
- Where no plan is in place, develop provincial 2SLGBTQIA+ action plans in consultation with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, modeled after the successes of the Government of the Yukon and the Government of Quebec.
- Create long-term funding programs for 2SLGBTQIA+ health, community and social services, with a focus on supports for homeless 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, parent and caregiver support, counseling and mental health services, and peer programming.
- Align coverage of Gender-Affirming Healthcare with WPATH standards, and work with relevant health professions and institutions to address wait lists for gender-affirming health interventions including puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries.
- Develop programs and plans to support 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion at school, including efforts to address misinformation and bullying for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
For Municipal and Regional Governments
- Invest in local 2SLGBTQIA+ community services that provide public education, peer support and programs for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and their families.
- Create a municipal 2SLGBTQIA+ advisory committee accompanied by a Municipal 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan developed in consultation with local 2SLGBTQIA+ community leaders.