In the House with Patty Hajdu: Visibility is acceptance, acceptance is survival

Transgender Awareness Week runs Nov. 13 – 19, culminating on Nov. 20  with Transgender Day of Remembrance. During this week we recognize the contributions and value of Trans Canadians in our communities, and remember and honour those who lost their lives to transphobic violence and hate.

Violence against Trans people is still too common. Many Trans people battle anxiety when they leave their homes, as they face emotional and physical violence, often every day. Many face difficulties with social engagements, school-based activities, and finding sustainable employment in a climate where their identity and personhood can be subject to denial and invasive questioning.

Our government has passed legislation to protect Trans Canadians. It is clearly needed, as each piece of work we have done spurs hurtful and damaging comments that imply these Canadians don’t deserve the legal protection of our Constitution that exists to protect every Canadian.

For many people, the concepts of gender and sexuality are personal, fluid and exist on a spectrum.  People struggle to discover who they are and how they wish the world to see them.  The outward expressions of gender and sexuality that are taught by society do not always fit for everyone.

And that’s okay.

For Transgender Awareness Week, and Transgender Day of Remembrance, I recognize and honour the place of Transgender Canadians in our community. I welcome you into our public spaces and forums. I value your voice and your identity. And I hope that everyone in our community joins me in expressing this sentiment of kindness, compassion and inclusion for everyone.