VOICE OF THE PEOPLE STAND TOGETHER FOR TRANSGENDER YOUTH

Re: U.K. reversal of hormone therapy, puberty blockers for youth call N.S. rules into question, May 11

The article called into question the validity of providing gender affirming care to youth in Nova Scotia, with particular reference to the much-derided Cass Report from the U.K. It seemed to imply that the report would have some effect on access to gender affirming care for youth here. This is simply not the case.

Gender affirming care is supported by every major medical association and associated health profession in Canada. In Nova Scotia, the IWK Health Centre is an internationally recognized service provider on gender issues and our current government has expanded access to gender affirming care for all.

Across Canada, some governments have chosen to use the lives of young people as a wedge political issue. I think that we, as a province, can do better.

Instead of hate, we can choose love. Instead of misinformation, we can listen to doctors, researchers, service providers, parents and – most importantly – transgender youth themselves.

A young trans person in a recent letter to Pierre Poilievre wrote, “There has been much more transphobia and homophobia recently and we trans kids and people need help from government.”

We are doing things differently in Nova Scotia. We are nurturing the well-being and success of trans and gender diverse young people because we know that we are strongest when we collectively hold one another up. Friday, May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. In Halifax, I will be hosting a Pride Progress flag raising at Province House at noon, joined by MLA colleagues from all parties.

Let’s be an example that other provinces can follow. Let’s stand up together for transgender youth.

Dr. Lisa Lachance,

MLA for Halifax Citadel – Sable Island