Trudeau and Co. must now deliver on LGBTQ rights
Progress has been made, but there is still much to be done, writes Kristopher Wells.
Arguably, LGBTQ issues were one of the defining issues in the last federal election. While Andrew Scheer and the Conservatives tied themselves in knots (and seemingly continue to do so) over same-sex marriage, pride parades, and issues like conversion therapy, the Liberals used every opportunity to position themselves as champions for LGBTQ equality.
After all, this was the government that not only issued a national apology, but also provided millions of dollars in compensation to survivors of the LGBT purge, which sought to root out LGBTQ people from the military, RCMP, and public service as part of a decadeslong campaign of state-sanctioned prejudice and discrimination.
The Liberals had rightly apologized for Canada’s historic wrongs, and committed themselves to become champions for LGBTQ equality, not only here in Canada, but around the world by providing a safe haven for LGBTQ refugees. It was heartening to see the government’s speech from the throne include a strong commitment to reconciliation, combating gender-based violence, and showing continued leadership on human rights. Despite this determined path to progress, there is still much more to accomplish when it comes to supporting Canada’s LGBTQ community.
Unfortunately, for every rainbow crosswalk painted and for every pride flag raised, there is intensifying backlash against LGBTQ equality in Canada. Recent far-right attacks at pride celebrations in Hamilton, rollbacks to gay-straight alliance protections in Alberta, and intensifying ideological attacks against transgender people are all signs of growing hate and radicalization.
The battle for LGBTQ equality is far from over, and as Alberta has seen with the election of Jason Kenney, progress is never linear and hard-earned rights and protections can be
Unfortunately, for every rainbow crosswalk painted and for every pride flag raised, there is intensifying backlash against LGBTQ equality in Canada.
rapidly reversed.
Increasingly, most progressive politicians are wanting to be on the right side of history when it comes to LGBTQ rights and recognition.
The LGBTQ community will be watching this new minority federal government closely with the expectation they will fully deliver on their promises, which include changes to the Criminal Code of Canada to prohibit conversion therapy, following the science and decriminalizing HIV, finally removing the discriminatory blood and tissue ban, and working to improve access and funding for gender-affirmative health care across Canada.
More direct support should also be provided to LGBTQ grassroots organizations who are often on the front lines of advancing LGBTQ equality in communities both large and small all across Canada. These community centres are incredibly important spaces for LGBTQ youth and seniors who often face the brunt of prejudice and discrimination. No senior should have to go back into the closet to find safe housing and accommodation, just as no youth should have to try and survive on the streets because their families have cast them out and their schools have failed to support and protect them.
Canada was recently ranked as one of the most Lgbtq-friendly countries in the world. With the threat of global populism rising, Canada’s increasing support for diversity, multiculturalism, and human rights has never been more profound or important. How we treat, care for, and respect all of our citizens is what defines Canada as truly one of the most inclusive nations in the world. It needs to be understood that LGBTQ rights are basic human rights, and not so-called “special rights.”
Our new minority government must work actively across the political spectrum to ensure that LGBTQ rights and progress move forward and continue to become part of how we define ourselves as a nation that believes in the unwavering importance of equal opportunity, equal respect, and equal love for all.