LISA SALAZAR — BLOG

  But I hope it got your attention. :) In today’s evolving social and political landscape, the discourse surrounding trans-inclusive health and education, often framed as "parental rights," has sparked considerable debate and confusion. It is crucial, therefore, to delve deeper into this dialogue, focusing on the foundational principles at play: empathy, inclusivity, and the inherent rights of all children, including those who are transgender. The term "parental rights" frequently emerges in discussions, suggesting a unified stance among all parents. Regrettably, this overlooks a significant number of parents who fervently support and affirm their 2SLGBTQAI+ children and champion inclusive policies that celebrate the diversity of all students. Such parents often find themselves marginalized, leading to a false division that pits parents against each other over their stance on trans inclusivity, despite many advocating for a broader, more inclusive perspective. This ...

By Lisa Salazar Responding to the dumb questions asked by CTV News commissioned survey.  The recent story by CTV News,  "Trans your policies make majority of Canadians 'uncomfortable': Survey,"  based on a survey by Nanos Research, raises significant ethical and journalistic concerns. The survey's focus on Canadians' discomfort with trans-inclusive sports policies, hormone therapies for youth, and the acknowledgment of chosen pronouns and names in schools employs a methodology that inherently frames trans identities as subjects of public debate and scrutiny rather than affirming their rights and dignity. Firstly, the methodology of pulse surveys, while useful in capturing immediate public sentiments, often lacks depth and fails to engage with the complex realities of those it surveys. In this case, the lived experiences of trans individuals and the systemic challenges they face are glaringly absent. The survey's framing positions trans identities as a matt...

Imagine, for a moment, that you possess an extraordinary quality. This could be a unique talent, an exceptional ability, a rare physical attribute, or an unparalleled beauty — something that is profoundly integral to your identity and how you experience the world. This quality is not just a superficial trait; it's a deep-seated part of who you are, shaping your interactions, dreams, and sense of self. It is something that makes you special, valuable, and worthy of respect in your eyes and the eyes of those who truly understand you. Now, envision a society where this very quality - the source of your pride and joy — suddenly becomes the target of stringent laws and policies. These aren’t just any rules; they are specifically designed to suppress, control, and even erase the visibility of your unique attribute. Laws that dictate how you can express this part of yourself limit your access to resources and communities that nurture and understand your gift and challenge your right to li...

I have three reflections, as I refer to them, that intertwine with my journey as a transgender person. The first one was sparked upon hearing about the tragic loss of another trans person in January 2014. A year later, in January 2015, a moment of clarity enveloped me one serene Sunday morning. The third emerged through my contribution to a special issue dedicated to Trans Lives, featured in the New York Times in September 2018. Because calmness is precious to me While I don’t consider myself a poet, and writing presents its challenges, there are moments when inspiration strikes, compelling me to articulate the emotions deep within my heart. At times, the words flow with ease, yet, more often than not, I find myself wrestling to capture the essence of my thoughts. It may require numerous attempts before the precise expression emerges. Recently, I embarked on a project to weave together the varied themes from these three reflections into a singular piece.  Journey to Myself In the q...

As the festive lights twinkle and the carols play on a seemingly endless loop, there's an unspoken reality that not everyone is swept up in the season's joy. For some, Christmas time is numbing, a period where the glittering façade of holiday cheer only amplifies a sense of disconnection. In the rush to find the perfect gifts, to craft the perfect holiday, we sometimes lose sight of those around us who might be overwhelmed by the noise and the expectations. This is a gentle reminder that if you find yourself feeling numb amidst the festivities, you're not alone. This time of year can bring a deluge of emotions, and not all are bright and merry. The pressure to feel joyful can be immense, as can the loneliness when that joy doesn't come naturally. It's okay to step back and find quiet amidst the chaos. It's okay to acknowledge that the holiday spirit isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. To those who feel this way, know that it's okay to seek solace in wh...

This episode of SPOTLIGHT was posted on YouTube on September 10, 2023 In a sensationalized television special on Australia’s 7NEWS Spotlight, titled “Breaking the Silence: The Reality of De-Transitioning,” which they heralded as the most contentious story of the year, the gender-affirming care debate took center stage. Spotlight’s investigative report delved into the highly charged discussions surrounding gender identity, medical interventions, and the ramifications of detransitioning. This program shone a light on two opposing factions in the ongoing dialogue: fervent supporters of the affirmation model, led by advocates like Professor Ian Hickey, and vocal critics, including parents and medical professionals like Dr. Jillian Spencer and Dr. Dylan Wilson. Supporters of the Affirmation Model: Proponents of the affirmation model, such as Professor Ian Hickey, firmly assert that gender clinics in Australia provide indispensable mental and physical health benefits to transgender individua...

In 2019, The United Church of Canada produced "Celebrating Gender Diversity: A Toolkit on Gender Identity and Trans Experiences for Communities of Faith."   I was invited to contribute because of the qualitative and quantitative study I did as part of my MA in 2015 titled "Transgender Spirituality Pulse Survey." This is what I wrote: Beyond Church Walls When I speak with ministers and church people who ask me how they can become affirming and welcoming of trans and non-binary persons, a question is often raised. “Why bother going through all the work of becoming an affirming congregation if, after all the hard work, not many trans persons are going to join my church community?” Because being affirming and welcoming is not fully measured just by how you treat people who enter the four walls of your church or sanctuary. What matters is how the members of your congregation treat trans people out in the world. Consider the following questions—these are just a few. How y...

In advance of a series of marches across Canada on September 20, 2023, a determined Canadian mother and ally to her lesbian daughter founded a Facebook Group on September 10. She aimed to provide a counter-narrative to the “1 Million March for Children” by creating a platform to quash the misinformation promoted against SOGIE and Trans identities. She wanted to foster unity instead. Initially attracting a modest few dozen members, the group mushroomed to over 7,000 individuals across Canada within three weeks, all united by principles of truth, inclusion, and steadfast support. A Beacon Amidst Shadows: 1 Million Voices for Inclusion emerges as a spectrum of love and unity, casting aside the shadows of division and hatred. This movement skillfully weaves a colorful tapestry that encompasses the myriad hues of the human spirit, establishing a robust front against prejudice and misinformation. An Undeniable Force of Inclusivity: More than a mere group, it’s a thriving entity exuding inclu...

This blogpost was inspired by a comment made on Facebook. In case you didn’t know, gender-affirming medical care, which includes treatments like puberty blockers, estrogen therapy, testosterone therapy, and breast augmentation, was initially developed for cisgender individuals seeking gender affirmation.  Puberty blockers were designed to assist cis children experiencing early onset puberty, while estrogen therapy was created for postmenopausal cisgender women to address hormonal changes.  Similarly, testosterone therapy was formulated to support cisgender men dealing with low sex drive and other health issues, and breast augmentation was an option for cisgender women experiencing body dysmorphia. The key takeaway here is that these treatments have been used successfully within the cisgender population for gender affirmation and to address specific medical needs. Applying them to transgender individuals is a logical extension of their original purpose, allowing us to provide v...

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 c...

What I’ve Learned from Science, History, Personal Experiences, and Meeting Other Trans Persons. Just like anyone diagnosed with a medical condition, I’ve dedicated significant time to educating myself about my reality as a trans person. Over the years, I’ve explored and contemplated my not-so-unique situation, accumulating valuable insights and personal experiences. Let me share what I’ve learned and discovered along the way. This knowledge has brought peace to my soul. Scientific evidence increasingly underscores what many have experienced and understood anecdotally: being transgender is not a choice, but rather a deeply ingrained aspect of identity. Some transgender individuals, who have participated in neuroimaging studies, such as functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), assert the presence of a "gender identity nugget" deep within the brain. This nugget seemingly signals gender identity, much like a fish instinctively understands the concept of water. The majority o...

 A Manifesto for Trans Understanding and Acceptance Introduction: In a world abundant in diversity, variety, and uniqueness, it is distressing to observe the persistence of intolerance and the fostering of ignorance. The journey of trans people, marked by introspection, courage, resilience, and identity-affirmation, is too often misunderstood, misinterpreted, and maligned. This manifesto is an invitation for those who have been misguided by prejudice and misinformation, particularly from right-wing and conservative perspectives. It is a call to you to set aside biases and learn from my story and those of countless other trans individuals who simply seek acceptance, respect, and the right to live freely as our authentic selves. Compassion Before Judgement: Understand that being transgender is not a choice but an integral part of our identity. We are not seeking to create discord or impose upon societal norms but rather to live authentically, openly, and in alignment with our true se...

  “Historic wave of anti-trans bills focuses almost entirely on trans youth.” — npr.org For context, there are three times as many disabled persons in wheelchairs than there are trans persons (1% vs. .3% of the population), yet no one would ever think of passing laws targetting disabled persons. Why is it okay to target trans persons? Wouldn’t you be outraged and scandalized if GOP lawmakers went after disabled persons? For example, imagine these kinds of laws: Education Censorship:  No class discussion, instruction, or acknowledgment of the rights of disabled persons or that they exist Library Book Bans:  Remove all reading materials that include portrayals of disabled persons or use inclusive and explicit language about disabled persons Restroom Restriction:  No special accommodation Sports exclusion:  Disabled youth are only allowed to watch from the sidelines  Religious exemptions:  Anyone can refuse to treat, care for or provide services, includin...

Image: depositphotos.com Even before the bloody Columbine High School massacre in April 1999, mass shootings had been frequent in the US. From schools and churches to shopping malls and city parks, radicalized, politically motivated, and mentally ill persons with easy access to guns continue to shed blood and leave death in their wake.  So what else is new? The recent shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, occurred at a Christian school where the killer had once been a student. The shooter happened to be trans, which opened the door for hyper-conservatives to attack the trans community. The conservative media quickly seized on this fact and is using it to spread more lies and further their agenda to erase trans Americans. They labeled trans people "domestic terrorists" and are now using this unfortunate incident in Tennessee to justify their inaction regarding the gun violence epidemic. This is a pattern that minorities have seen before, with the Black, Muslim, Jewish, and Asian c...

Just weeks after a Daily Wire host called for “eliminating transgenderism,” Fox News host Tucker Carlson described in apocalyptic terms that transgender people are the “natural enemy” of Christianity on his show last night in a rant about the Nashville school shooter, who is possibly transgender. “The trans movement is the mirror image of Christianity and, therefore, its natural enemy,” he said. Firstly, Christianity is a religion based on love, compassion, and acceptance of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. Jesus Christ himself emphasized the importance of treating others with kindness and love, and his message was intended for all people, regardless of their race, gender, or background. Therefore, it is incorrect to suggest that transgender individuals are the "natural enemy" of Christianity. Secondly, transgender individuals face significant discrimination and marginalization in society. They are often subjected to verbal and physical abuse, denied acce...

In June 2015, one month after Caitlyn Jenner graced the cover Vanity Fair magazine, the Family Research Council (FRC) published their infamous white paper on how to fight the war against “transgenderism.” This paper spelled out the strategies that Christians should use to fight the war against trans people. Eight years later we are seeing the brutal consequences of this strategy being played out in Republican controlled State Legislatures as they create laws that criminalize doctors and parents who support and care for trans persons; in particular, trans youth. On the opposite side of the debate stands the American Medical Association (AMA). The AMA is clear about why trans health care is important and ethical and has  released several statements and policies regarding transgender individuals. Here is a short list: The AMA recognizes that transgender individuals experience unique health disparities and barriers to care, and supports efforts to address and eliminate these disparitie...