Statement from Minister McLean on Lesbian Visibility Day

Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:

“Tomorrow, we celebrate Lesbian Visibility Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the contributions, struggles and triumphs of the 2SLBGTQIA+ women and non-binary people in the Yukon and beyond.

“We can’t mark this day without acknowledging that 2SLBGTQIA+ rights are under attack on our continent. Visibility is powerful. It fosters understanding, breaks down barriers and builds bridges of empathy and solidarity. But we have to remember that the choice to be visible as a member of the 2SLBGTQIA+ community is complex. For many, visibility can come with real risks, from bullying and harassment to physical violence.

“The Government of Yukon is committed to building a society that is inclusive and free of discrimination. We will continue to strive for inclusive, affirming programs, policies and services. During this sitting of the Legislative Assembly, we tabled the Inclusive Families Act. It will allow us to update laws governing parentage in the Yukon and among other changes, remove binary and heteronormative assumptions about sex, gender and family formations. Last week, we released the What We Heard Report on the progress of the LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan to ensure accountability and transparency on the commitments we made to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

“In the Yukon, we have a lot to be proud of when it comes to gender equality and I raise my hands up to the 2SLBGTQIA+ women and non-binary people who have been fighting for it. Tomorrow on Lesbian Visibility Day, I ask all Yukoners to reflect on how we can continue to move our territory forward, where everyone is safe to be true to themselves. When it comes to sexuality or gender identity and expression, self-determination is a basic human right. Together, we can continue to build a future where love and acceptance are the norms and where every individual is celebrated for who they are.”