Joint Statement from Minister of Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on International Non-Binary People’s Day

Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee have issued the following statement:

“On July 14, International Non-Binary People’s Day is a day to celebrate and raise awareness of individuals who exist outside of the gender binary.

“Non-binary people have existed since time immemorial. Despite this, it wasn’t until 2017 the Canadian federal government began to legally recognize non-binary options on passports. It is so important to recognize and protect the rights of non-binary people. Our government is committed to ensuring that non-binary Yukoners are respected, included and celebrated.

“In 2022, Canada became the first country to provide census data on transgender and non-binary people. This is an important step in supporting and better meeting the needs of non-binary and transgender individuals, but there is still a lot of work to be done.

“Our government is dedicated to supporting the Yukon’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We are two years into the LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan, and are pleased with the progress that has been made so far, such as providing insurance coverage for gender-affirming care services, supporting the creation of a Pride Centre in Whitehorse, offering World Professional Association of Trans Health (WPATH) training at no cost to Yukon government clinicians, and the work underway to create and implement best practices for sex and gender data collection. We remain committed to the priorities in the plan and the vision of a territory that is safe and inclusive of all 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

“We applaud and recognize Yukon organizations such as gender and sexuality alliances, gay-straight alliances, Queer Yukon Society, and Yukon Queer Film Alliance, as well as many other allies, for their hard work to advocate for non-binary and transgender individuals.

“On this International Non-Binary People’s Day, let’s celebrate human diversity and honour non-binary Yukoners by hearing their stories and staying committed to making the Yukon a safe and welcoming place for all.”