‘This battle was never won’
PC party resolution on gender identity takes province backward, officials, advocates say
Toronto officials and trans rights advocates at city hall on Tuesday condemned the Ontario PC party as they continue to push for inclusion and fight against violence.
On the annual transgender day of remembrance, Mayor John Tory honoured those who had lost their lives as a result of hatred.
“It’s been a long road and a very
difficult road,” Tory said on the podium roof of city hall.
“We have moved forward as a city because we understand the importance of respect for all people … We must not allow those who would divide and who would take us backwards to do so.”
The city hall event follows a weekend Ontario PC convention where the party membership approved a resolution to discuss deeming gender identity a “liberal ideology,” and also have it removed from the sexed curriculum.
Tory did not specifically mention the PC party, saying there are those looking to prevent progress around the world and some that are “not very far away.”
Councillor Kristyn WongTam, council’s only openly queer member, did not mince words. “The work before us is to make sure that we’re not quiet,” said Wong-Tam, adding that lives are at risk as she directly condemned the PC party resolution.
“I didn’t think that we were going to have to fight this battle, but this battle was never won.”
Fifth grader Stella Skinner, who is a vocal advocate for transgender youth, said she was encouraged to know students in schools like hers would be taught to understand her and how to treat her respectfully.
“When I heard we weren’t getting these lessons after all, I felt defeated,” she said.
“Tomorrow I go back to school ... I’ll answer whispers and try to be brave. But why would you ask that of me?” On Monday, Premier Doug Ford vowed to put an end to the non-binding resolution.
Former PC leadership candi- date Tanya Granic Allen, who brought forward the resolution Saturday, said Ford himself dismissed the long-standing concept of gender identity during his leadership campaign.
On Tuesday, Ford’s Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Lisa MacLeod issued a written statement about the day of remembrance.
“Today is about solidarity, re- flection and sadness for those who have been lost and those who are victimized.
“I encourage those in the Trans community to live your lives to the fullest,” her statement read.
“Be proud Ontarians. And know that our government will respect and work hard for your community and for all of the people of this province.”