LISA SALAZAR — BLOG

Disgust is a deeply human emotion. At its core, it has helped us survive—steering our ancestors away from rotting food, diseased bodies, and potential threats. But as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) radio program  IDEAS  recently explored, disgust is more than a survival mechanism. It is also a double-edged sword, wielded by cultures, religions, and politics to define morality, enforce social norms, and exclude those deemed “other.” The  IDEAS  episode titled  Disgust: The Good and Evil  shed light on the complexity of disgust and its troubling potential to drive prejudice. Experts discussed how this visceral emotion, while rooted in evolutionary necessity, often misfires, turning instinct into irrationality. As a trans woman, I have experienced firsthand how disgust can be weaponized—how it fuels transphobia and justifies the dehumanization of people like me. This is not just a personal reflection but a societal challenge: to confront the ways...

Hoping to Reclaim Empathy and Justice in a Polarized World...  In 2016, before Trump won his first term as POTUS, hope was rising—fueled by growing public support, inclusive policies, and increased representation in media and politics. The conversation around transgender rights was no longer on the fringe; it was becoming part of the national dialogue. Yet, the years since have been tumultuous. A rising tide of anti-trans rhetoric, legislation, and cultural backlash has made the journey toward inclusion and empathy more urgent than ever. The Escalating Crisis The state of emergency for transgender individuals has only intensified. Anti-trans voices, once fringe, have grown louder and more organized. Across North America and beyond, legislative attacks on gender-affirming healthcare, access to public spaces, and even the right to self-identify have escalated. The polarization surrounding trans rights is no longer confined to social misunderstandings—it is a coordinated effort to rol...

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...