Volume 2 | December 2022

Welcome to the Snapshot! A curation of quick reads that provide you with the latest information on social issues to help you promote awareness, advocacy and action. From our resources team to you, the snapshot will empower you with the resources you need to be an informed advocate in this digital age.

The topic of this month’s newsletter is Trans Issues in Canada.

Become acquainted with important definitions and terms.
Learn about the inequities trans and gender-diverse people face today.
Discover how to make meaningful change and keep up with current events.

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Trans Issues in Canada

With a rate of 1 in 300 people (age 15+), trans people in Canada experience unique issues including discrimination and high amounts of violence. Challenges faced by trans people could be attributed to a lack of awareness and understanding. Education and action is critical in order to create a movement of change towards acceptance.

Transgender Definition

Transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they are assigned at birth. Many trans people experience dysphoria, and often transition as result. Transitioning may include changing their name, pronouns, and gender-affirming procedures. (GLAAD)

Sex vs Gender

Although often seen as interchangeable, sex and gender have different definitions. Sex is the medical classification of male, female, or intersex. Sex is a label based solely off medical factors such as genitals and chromosomes. Gender is a broad term that includes the social expectations and internal perception of being a man, woman, or nonbinary (and more). Gender lies on a wide spectrum and is fluid. (Planned Parenthood)

Sexual Orientation vs Gender Identity

Sexual orientation differs from gender identity. Where gender identity is your internal sense of gender, and sexual orientation is who you are attracted to. Like cisgender people, trans people can have any sexual orientation. (Youth.gov)

Canadian Statistics on Trans Issues

Common knowledge of trans issues in Canada is lacking among the general population. Trans PULSE Canada, a national survey on the wellbeing of trans people in Canada, is a great informative resource to shed light on trans experiences.

The following statistics are taken from this Trans PULSE Canada Report (2020)…..

Healthcare

45% of trans people reported unmet healthcare needs vs 4% of the general population of Canada.

Mental Health

56% of trans people rated their mental health as poor or fair.
1 in 3 trans people considered suicide and 1 in 20 attempted suicide in the last year.

Transphobic Violence and Harassment

Most trans people reported experiencing verbal harassment in the last 5 years, 16% experienced physical assault and 26% experienced sexual assault.
84% of trans people reported avoiding public spaces for fear of being harassed.

Intersectionality

While half of all trans participants reported being worried, 94% of Black and 75% of Indigenous trans people reported being worried about being harassed or stopped by police.

Resources for Trans & Gender-Diverse People

Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline is a peer support line run by and for trans people, focused on providing community, support, and resources. CAN (877) 330-6366 , US (877) 565-8860

JusticeTrans: JusticeTrans is designed to provide Two Spirit, trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming communities in Canada with relevant and up-to-date legal information.

Transgender Map - Canada Resources: Transgender Map provides a cumulative list of national trans resources, including listings by province or territory.

Other Resources

Head to the Canada Confesses resource page to find support here.
Submit an anonymous confession or contact us directly to get more support suited to your situation.
Check out the resources listed below for more support. ⬇️

GET INVOLVED | MAKE A CHANGE

ORGANIZATIONS DOING THE WORK

Egale: Egale is a national charity promoting 2SLGBTQI human rights through research, education and community engagement. Egale has many helpful online resources including: pronouns guides, suicide prevention toolkits, legal advocacy, and more. Click here to get involved.

The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity: CCGSD intersectionally promotes diversity in gender identity, gender expression, and romantic and/or sexual orientation in all its forms on a national level through services in the areas of education, health, and advocacy. Click here to get involved.

LEARN MORE & EDUCATE

Recommended Reading List: Put together by WPATH, this list provides a wide variety of readings including transgender history and experiences.

Chosen Family: A Canadian podcast hosted by queer best friends and Montrealers Thomas Leblanc and Tranna Wintour. Every other week they dive deep into conversations about anything and everything and always have fascinating, creative guests.

Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Young People: The Trevor Project provides this introductory educational guide that covers topics and best practices on how to support transgender and nonbinary young people.

TAKE ACTION

Volunteer with and follow the organizations mentioned above on social media.
Support the annual Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31st and Transgender Day of Remembrance every November 20th.
Call out transphobia, and speak out in support of trans and nonbinary people.
Vote for officials who support the 2SLGBTQI rights. Register to vote here.
Follow Canada Confesses on social media to stay informed and support a movement of change.

Spotlight 🔍

News & current events that take a closer look at trans issues across the globe. 🌍

Got Feedback?

Canada Confesses values the input from our project participants (YOU!) and affiliates/partners so we can continually improve our project, ensure we're not doing harm to any communities, and create initiatives that better serve you. Submit feedback here.

If you know of any resources related to trans issues or any social justice issue, please submit here.