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November 20 marks the 13th annual observance of the Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day for all of us to honour and remember our transgender sisters and brothers who have been murdered as a result of transphobic violence.
Violence against transgender individuals is not uncommon around the world. Most often, these tragic events are not reported in the mainstream media, and the perpetrators are seldom prosecuted.
We each need to commit ourselves to working toward the full equality of our transgender sisters and brothers in our workplaces, in our communities and in our union.
This year, we can take a stand by contacting our MPs in support of Bill C-279, a private member’s bill that would amend the Canada Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code of Canada to include proper protections against discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression. The bill was put forward by New Democrat MP Randall Garrison.
• You can follow this link to get a phone number for your MP.
The bill in is the same one introduced in previous parliaments by former MP Bill Siksay. It was heart-breaking when the bill died in the Senate when the federal election was called. It had progressed to the Senate after passing in an historic vote in the House of Commons. It is important that we send a clear message that the issue remains a priority for Canadians.
This is what we can do weekend—but we should not stop there. Let’s be aware of the challenges our trans sisters and brothers face on a daily basis. Through education and being aware of the importance of including all members in our union and in our communities, we can make a difference.
The labour movement embodies the sense of solidarity with one another and the notion that an injury to one is an injury to all. On November 20, let us commit individually and collectively to re-energize our support of Transgender communities and their struggle for equality.
