Statement from Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Directorate McLean and Health and Social Services Minister McPhee on Transgender Day of Visibility

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

“Each year on March 31, we celebrate transgender, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people to recognize their contributions and accomplishments across the Yukon and Canada. Today we raise awareness of the discrimination against this community to help continue to build a more inclusive future for each and every Yukoner.

“We want to begin this statement by acknowledging the tremendous amount of work that the transgender community and their allies have been doing to ensure that all Yukoners feel safe, respected and represented.

“Visibility is a part of equitable representation helping to reduce harmful stereotypes and allow for more community support. Lately, we’ve seen a rise in rhetoric and policies that target the rights of transgender people and in particular transgender youth. Our government continues to express deep concern about a number of policies being enacted by governments across Canada that will have significant impacts on the health and safety of 2SLGBTQIA+ young adults. We believe all young people deserve to be who they are and have their identities represented and respected and that no one should be denied medical care based on their identity.

"That is why on this day and every day, we raise our voices in support of the transgender community and rise together against transphobia and discrimination in all its forms.

"One of the ways we support and celebrate diversity in the Yukon is through the implementation of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Policy, SOGI. This policy promotes the rights of all students in their acceptance and expression of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Teaching children about diversity and inclusivity is essential for building a more tolerant, equitable, and compassionate society.

“When learning about trans and non-binary experiences, it’s important to understand the diversity of this community. Transgender, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse identities and expressions have always existed in cultures across the world. On the spring equinox this year, we celebrated the proclamation of the Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ Awareness to Celebration Day in the Yukon. We are so proud to have joined the members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies as one of the first provincial and territorial jurisdictions in Canada to recognize this important day. Recognizing and honouring their identities is a step towards healing. We lift our hands up once again to those Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer people in the Yukon and beyond who have advocated for this day.

“Standing up in recognition of Transgender Day of visibility is one small way our government continues our commitments in the Inclusion Action Plan to work with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to ensure they can enjoy equal rights, representation, and access to services. Through, education and centering transgender voices and experiences, we can work towards a more equitable and inclusive society. We encourage Yukoners to mark today’s occasion by stepping up as allies.

"Together, today and every day, we have the power to create a future where each and every Yukoner feels safe, respected and celebrated."