Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean and Minister of Justice and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee have issued the following statement:
"This November 20th, we observe Transgender Day of Remembrance to honour the memories of transgender people whose lives were lost to violence. In November 1998, a transgender woman named Rita Hester was murdered in her apartment in Boston. Her tragic death was a catalyst to establishing this day.
“Twenty-six years later, transgender, Two-spirit and gender non-binary people continue to face significantly higher risks of violence and abuse. According to Statistics Canada in 2021, the Yukon was home to one of the highest proportions of Transgender and non-binary people, many of whom are young people between the ages of 15 and 34.
“We know that transgender and non-binary youth are more than twice as likely as their cisgender peers to have thoughts of self-harm in their lifetime and that 70 per cent of trans youth will experience some form of sexualized harassment or violence. They are also far more likely to experience homelessness than their cisgender peers.
“National and international trends have seen a surge in legislation that targets the rights of transgender people and undermines the safety of the transgender community. Those pushing such discriminatory policies targeting transgender rights are responsible for creating a climate of intolerance and exclusion that encourages acts of discrimination, abuse and violence towards the transgender community. We will continue to call out such acts of institutional violence and work to ensure that laws in the Yukon do not perpetuate such hatred and discrimination.
“In 2021, the Government of Yukon made a commitment through our LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan to work with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the territory to ensure Yukoners of all gender identities, gender expressions and sexual orientations have access to the same rights, representation and services. We are working to make our health care system a safer place for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and continue to implement the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity – SOGI – policy in Yukon schools.
“The Yukon government continues to stand by our words and our actions. Every Yukoner deserves to live a life free of violence and fear.
“The Yukon is fortunate to have strong support for the trans community through community organizations like Bricks and Queer Yukon Society, and Gender Sexuality Alliances. Bricks is hosting a candlelight vigil tonight at the Cache, the Pride Centre in Whitehorse. Our government encourages Yukoners to attend and to seek out other opportunities to recognize Transgender Day of Remembrance in their communities.
“Together we can work towards a more equitable and inclusive society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, where we celebrate transgender people for their achievements and contributions.
“We know that this is a challenging day for many. If you need help, we encourage you to reach out to the Canadian Mental Health Association Yukon Reach Out Support Line at 1-844-533-3030 or kidshelpphone.ca."
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]