What a relief it would be to hear people who hold power – and people asking to obtain power – make clear, public statements affirming trans, intersex, non-binary, and Two Spirit people’s dignity and their right to participate fully in public life.
Some of you may be tired of hearing me say this, and am tired of saying it into silence.
Let me be blunt: transphobia is as bad now as it was in the 1990s. I do not say that lightly. In some ways, things were better then. That should alarm everyone who believes we are supposed to be moving forward, not backward.
Trans, intersex, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people are not political abstractions, a debate topic, or a convenient wedge issue to use as fodder. We are residents, workers, tenants, artists, neighbours, family members, community leaders and voters. We have the right to exist openly and participate in every part of public life.
Our rights are protected in law. The danger we face is real. Hate targeting gender identity and expression has been rising, while too many people in positions of influence remain silent.
So I am asking: are you speaking directly with the candidates and incumbents who shape our laws, budgets, policies and public institutions? What are they saying? Are they willing to say it publicly, with their names attached? Not only in private, not only during Pride and not only when it is politically convenient?
Please tell me, because mostly what I receive is silence.
As a candidate for Mayor of Hamilton, I will not be silent.
Trans people’s dignity is not negotiable. Our participation in public life is not something politicians get to grant or withdraw.
We belong in housing, employment, public services, community spaces, civic leadership and every room where decisions about our lives are made.
Leadership means speaking clearly before it is safe or convenient, and often when it is dangerous to do so.
I will keep saying it until the silence breaks