LISA SALAZAR — BLOG

The Parents or the kids? I’ve attended enough counter-protest to anti-trans and anti-SOGI123 demonstrations and rallies over the years, and I’ve heard some pretty outrageous things. Back in 2014, outside the Vancouver School Board, as people waited to attend what can only be described as a heated debacle of misinformation and falsehoods about the school board's proposed revisions to their inclusivity policy, a new Canadian parent who had a lanyard identifying her as an organizer of the demonstration, said this to me when I asked her, “do you personally know anyone who is transgender or have you ever spoken to one?” Little did she realize she was speaking to one; she responded, “I don’t need to know any transgender person! Schools are for education, not indoctrination. I don’t want my children to be made transgender!” Who indoctrinated her? I wondered. It’s completely unfounded to fear that teaching children about sexual identity and gender expression will make them gay or want to b...

YouTube screenshot Since you might also be interested in dominions, this is what living in the Kingdom of Heaven really means: You know, this one passage in Matthew has always intrigued me. Jesus says, “For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 19:12). I don’t know about you, but that’s not exactly what I expected Jesus to say. Yet, as with so many things Jesus said, this one invites a deeper look. Now, when Jesus talks about eunuchs, it’s worth mentioning that today, we use a different term—“intersex” is often the more accurate description for people born with a combination of physical traits that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female. The language has shifted, but the broader point remains: Jesus is speaking to those whose identities challenge societal norms, and he brings them into the conversation in a rad...

Hey there, fellow Canadians! As a transgender person living in this amazing country, I'm feeling a growing concern. Anti-trans rhetoric, often echoing from south of the border, is threatening the safety and inclusion of our community. It can feel overwhelming, but here’s the truth that gives me hope: you . Yes, you, the cisgender Canadians who believe in fairness and respect. Your voices hold immense power in shaping a welcoming future. We can and must stand together. Why We Need Allies Like You Trans people face a daily reality of discrimination and misunderstanding. From access to healthcare to using a restroom that feels safe, our basic rights are constantly questioned. In this environment, having allies like you — people who stand up for transgender rights — is crucial. Here’s why your support matters so much: Amplifying Our Voices: Trans people are at the forefront of advocating for ourselves, but our voices can be drowned out by negativity. You can use your platform to elevat...

Here are two comprehensive lists showing trans-inclusive policies based on current research and reputable organizations. Here's a breakdown of key areas with supporting points. The first list is more focused on where I live, in Vancouver, BC, Canada. And the second list is more U.S.-focused, but still relevant for Canadians: — LIST 1 — 1. Gender-Affirming Healthcare: Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA):  The PHSA offers resources and information on gender-affirming healthcare in BC, including a guide on exploring gender diversity ( http://www.phsa.ca/transcarebc/care-support ) Trans Care BC:  This program within PHSA provides pathways to access gender-affirming healthcare in the province, including hormone therapy and referrals for surgeries. The Canadian Trans Health Network:  This national organization offers resources and support for transgender Canadians, including information on accessing healthcare in different provinces ( https://www.facebook.com/transhealt...

  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...