QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Kristyn Wong Tam (Toronto Centre), Critic for 2SLGBTQ+ Issues & the Attorney General released the following statement on Transgender Day of Visibility:
“Today on Transgender Day of Visibility, we celebrate the lives and achievements of Two-Spirit, transgender and non-binary friends among us, while acknowledging that they continue to face discrimination and violence.
Two-Spirit, transgender and non-binary people make widespread contributions to Ontario every single day.
Yet the discrimination against, and attempt to threaten and silence the voices of Two-Spirit, transgender and non-binary people in Ontario is very much alive today. We cannot sit back until every single person feels safe and treated with respect and compassion in this province. No one deserves to feel scared or intimated simply for being who they are.
New Democrats also recognize that being gender diverse in Ontario has become even more challenging after this government failed to stabilize funding for the only virtual clinic – Connect Clinic – dedicated to delivering gender affirming health care in Ontario, eventually forcing it to temporarily close down while they look for alternative funding. This is just one other reason why my gender-affirming health care bill is important and should be passed by this government as soon as possible.
Today, along with the NDP Caucus, I recommit to work required to ensure Ontarians are able to receive gender affirming care, end violence against transgender, non-binary and Two-Spirit people, and continue to build Ontario into a place where people feel safe in coming out, being their authentic selves and ultimately thriving in all the ways they want, and building their very best life in this province.”