LGBTQ equality moves mainly ahead in Canada
Progress was made but there were also challenges, says Kristopher Wells
It was an unprecedented year for LGBTQ equality in Canada. Here are 10 critical moments that moved our nation forward, and the challenges remaining.
LGBTQ2S APOLOGY
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered a heartfelt apology, and compensation, for the federal government’s “gay purge.”
In 2017, the government also established a new LGBTQ2S secretariat led by MP Randy Boissonnault. Look for progress to accelerate with this important foundation in place.
PROTECTING RIGHTS
After years of delays, Canada turned the corner on trans rights by amending federal human rights legislation and strengthening hate crimes provisions in the Criminal Code.
Changes were also announced to identity documents such as passports, and several provinces introduced updates to birth certificates, driver’s licences, and health cards to provide more gender-inclusive options.
ALBERTA’S SUPPORT
The Alberta government passed the most comprehensive gay-straight alliance legislation in Canada, and most likely the world. Alberta is now an unlikely leader in LGBTQ inclusion and the protection and support of vulnerable LGBTQ youth.
MORE PREP COVERAGE
HIV prevention took a major step forward as B.C. joined Ontario and Quebec in providing free anti-HIV medication pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) coverage to at-risk groups. In 2018, all provinces should follow this health strategy. Not only will it save costs, but also lives.
TRUMP REVERSAL
Under the guise of religious liberty, U.S. President Donald Trump rolled back hardwon progress on LGBTQ civil rights, including a ban on transgender soldiers, rescinding LGBTQ protections in schools, and eroding diplomatic support for LGBTQ international human rights initiatives.
Many social conservatives in Canada have become more vocal and virulent in attacks against LGBTQ inclusion. The question is whether hate will continue to grow in 2018.
RAILROAD TO FREEDOM
Canada stepped forward by fast-tracking funding and support for LGBTQ asylum seekers and refugees. Nonprofit organizations, like the Rainbow Railroad network, offered life-saving supports to LGBTQ people facing persecution in their countries.
POLICING, PREJUDICE
The uniformed participation of police in pride parades continued to be a hot topic across Canada, with several festivals banning participation. Some pride festivals also asked politicians to sign ally pledges to participate in pride parades.
The movement to de-criminalize the non-disclosure of HIV took a step forward when the federal government issued new guidelines and Ontario announced it would no longer prosecute cases where individuals have a suppressed viral load. In 2018, we need to focus less on criminalization and place more emphasis on education and support for those affected by HIV.
GAY BLOOD BAN
Perhaps the federal government’s biggest disappointment is the slow movement in ending the Canadian Blood Services’ long-standing gay blood ban. The unscientific ban, which was reduced from five years to one year, in 2016, for men who have sex with men, represents the biggest failed promise of the Liberal government. Will 2018 be the year we see it end?
PRIDE TAPE AND NHL
The NHL moved to become the most LGBTQ-inclusive professional sports league with “Hockey is For Everyone Month” with 21 teams hosting You Can Play nights.
Pride Tape, a made-inCanada initiative, was also included in the Hockey Hall of Fame, 100 Years of the NHL, and the Canadian Museum of History’s Hockey Exhibition.
INCLUSION BACKLASH
As LGBTQ inclusion moved forward, backlash increased as pride flags were burned, rainbow crosswalks vandalized, and so-called “parents’ rights” groups organized against LGBTQ progress in schools.
Some school trustees and Catholic bishops openly questioned support for human rights in schools. Schools will continue to be a battleground in 2018 as gay-straight alliances gain momentum and new LGBTQ policies and inclusive curricula are enacted.
Even though 2017 represented an unprecedented year in the advancement of LGBTQ rights in Canada, the fight for human rights is far from over. Powerful backward forces continue to loom.
Canada has a real opportunity to become a beacon of light for human rights at home and abroad. Will 2018 see that light continue to shine brightly or will it dim? Kristopher Wells is assistant professor at the Faculty of Education and faculty director for the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services at the University of Alberta.