The American-MAGA-GOP-Religious-Conservative-Like Anti-Trans Bullshit Has Been Simmering in Canada.

We knew it was only a matter of time before conservative voices in Canada would begin to sound like the anti-trans strategies GOP lawmakers have been employing in the U.S. They are determined to claw back the amazing progress we have made toward Trans inclusion in Canada.

Screen capture from their website

A Canada-wide day of anti-trans protest is being planned for Wednesday, September 20, 2023. In advance of this day, the organizers are promoting letter-writing campaigns to school boards. To that end, they have provided a boilerplate letter for Ontario that people can sign and mail. I’m sure that with some minor tweaks to remove references to Ontario, people in other provinces will follow suit.

Here’s a detailed response to each point raised in a boiler-plate letter being circulated in Ontario:

1. Request for Parental Consent for Preferred Pronouns, Names, Bathroom Use, and Extracurricular Participation:

Rebuttal: Respecting a student’s preferred pronouns, names, bathroom choices, and extracurricular participation aligns with principles of inclusion and respect for gender diversity. Many education authorities and organizations recommend accommodating these choices to create a supportive environment for transgender and gender-nonconforming students.

2. Transparency and Parental Involvement:

Rebuttal: Transparency and parental involvement are essential. However, it’s also crucial to balance parental rights and the child’s rights. In many cases, students may not feel comfortable discussing their gender identity with their parents, making it necessary to have school policies that protect their privacy and well-being.

3. Social Transition as a Psychological Intervention:

Rebuttal: Social transition is not a psychological intervention but a personal and often medically recommended step for transgender individuals to align their gender identity with their presentation. Supporting students in self-discovery and expression is crucial while working with medical professionals when necessary.

4. Life-Changing Decisions and Consent:

Rebuttal: While some decisions about gender identity may be life-changing, gender identity is an individual’s deeply personal and intrinsic aspect. Encouraging open communication between parents and children is vital. Still, some students may feel unsafe or supported in discussing these matters with their parents, emphasizing the importance of school policies that respect their autonomy.

5. Safety Concerns and Accusations:

Rebuttal: Most parents are not abusive, and school policies do not assume otherwise. However, it’s important to have policies to address exceptional circumstances and protect students from potential harm, as Education Minister Stephen Lecce mentioned. These policies aim to ensure the well-being of all students.

6. Public Opinion and Parental Rights:

Rebuttal: Public opinion should be considered, but it should not override the fundamental rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming students. The rights of these students to be treated with respect and dignity are equally important and must be protected.

7. Political and Ideological Nature of Schools:

Rebuttal: Schools are places where students learn about various perspectives and ideas, including those related to social issues. The goal is to provide a balanced and comprehensive education that encourages critical thinking and understanding of diverse viewpoints.

8. Revision of Policies Based on Parental Consent:

Rebuttal: While parental consent is crucial, policies must also align with human rights principles, anti-discrimination laws, and the best interests of the child. Striking a balance between parental rights and the rights of students is essential in creating an inclusive and equitable educational environment.

The experiences of trans individuals and their struggles must be taken into consideration. Above all, the importance of empathy, understanding, and a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, including transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, cannot be understated.

#transkidsmatter #translivesmatter