In recognition of Gender Equality Week and the Government of Yukon’s commitment to inclusion and inclusive spaces, a new mural has been installed in the Whitehorse Visitor Information Centre’s gender-inclusive washroom.
Commissioned through a call for proposals based around the themes “Positive and Welcoming” and “Authentic Yukon,” the mural is the work of Kim Edgar, an award-winning trans and non-binary artist based in Dawson City. Entitled Hold my hand in the lowbush cranberries, the artwork features two interlaced hands amidst a colourful tundra floor.
Established in 2018, Gender Equality Week raises awareness of the important contributions women and gender diverse communities have made to the character and identity of Canada, and aims to reconfirm a commitment to address gender equality gaps. Gender Equality Week is observed annually during the fourth week of September.
The gender-inclusive washroom in the Yukon Visitor Information Centre was renovated to align with the Yukon government’s LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan. The action plan includes more than 100 items under nine themes to create a more inclusive Yukon for LGBTQ2S+ citizens.
It’s important that the Yukon is a positive and accepting place to visit where everyone is encouraged to explore the territory’s natural wonders and cultural heritage, regardless of their age, ethnicity or gender. This mural is a wonderful addition to the welcoming space we strive to create at our Visitor Information Centre.
Everyone living or visiting the Yukon should feel welcomed and included. Thank you to Kim Edgar for this beautiful mural and addition to our Visitor Information Centre. During Gender Equality Week, their artwork reminds us to celebrate achievements and stay committed to addressing inequality between men, women and gender-diverse people in the Yukon.
Working on this piece had me reflecting on hand holding as a way to show a variety of kinds of love. Whether it’s an elder holding a child's hand, two lovers holding hands, or a signifier of deep friendships, hand holding can imply so many different forms of care. Even if the language for it has changed over the years, trans and gender non-conforming people have always existed in the Yukon. I want trans and gender non-conforming people of all walks of life to feel similarly cared for and held in this territory.
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The mural was chosen by an arm’s-length selection committee from seven submissions.
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The third week of September marks Gender Equality Week in Canada, a chance to celebrate achievements and raise awareness of the work ahead to address persistent outcome gaps between men, women and gender-diverse people in the Yukon.
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The gender-inclusive washroom in the Yukon Visitor Information Centre was renovated to align with the Government of Yukon’s LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan. The action plan includes more than 100 items under nine themes to create a more inclusive Yukon for LGBTQ2S+ citizens.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
[email protected]
Alicia Debreceni
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-332-3670
[email protected]
Hillary Aitken
Director, Women and Gender Equity Directorate
867-332-4908
[email protected]