| Dear friends, Earlier this year, many human rights and LGBTQ rights activists in Canada celebrated a major milestone: Parliament passed a bill to finally protect trans folks across the country. It was a huge step forward, and seemed to ensure that hateful propaganda or discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression would be outlawed. But trans people who are also migrants in Canada haven't been so lucky. In fact, to this day, the Quebec government still forces them to use identity documentation that includes the wrong gender marker, and the wrong name. Why? Because they're not allowed to be fully recognized until they're Canadian citizens. Quebec can do better than this. Ensure justice for all trans individuals! Trans rights activist Dalia Tourki has been especially vocal about what it's like to be a trans woman and immigrant living in Quebec. She says it ultimately feels like she doesn't exist — in either her origin country, or in her home in Canada. For those people who are not trans, it might not be apparent why this is such a crushing blow. But as Dalia explains, every time she goes anywhere that might require her identification, she faces danger and discrimination. She's begun avoiding going to the post office, offices providing social services, and other places where her gender identity might be contested. At times, trans migrants like her have even been turned away by public servants who refuse to assist them. Each and every one of us deserves to be treated with respect. None of us should face rejection and humiliation when we admit who we truly are, and none of us should be afraid that being truthful will risk our lives. Thank you for all that you do,  | | Miranda B.
The Care2 Petitions Team |
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