Appalling to see politicians attack transgender youth
Pierre Poilievre’s attack on transgender people puts vulnerable Canadians at risk, Trudeau says, Feb. 21
I am the proud parent of a transgender son, and I am appalled at the recent attacks on the transgender community from some of our political representatives.
The fact that certain representatives of his own government are trying to take away his rights and endanger his safety by making him a target for bullying and harassment are things I cannot fathom.
The 2021 census has the transgender population at 0.33 per cent. These people just want to live their lives in peace with the rights and dignity that every Canadian citizen deserves. However, they are being used to score political points to appease an intolerant, discriminatory and hate-filled segment of the population.
There are huge issues facing Canadians, such as the cost of food, lack of housing, climate change and our relationship with other countries, but instead of addressing these significant issues, some politicians attack 0.33 per cent of Canadians.
I don’t understand why policies are being created or struck down without consultation from those directly supporting the transgender community, such as doctors, social workers, teachers, mental health professionals and families.
Transgender people have a higher risk of suicide than the average Canadian. Two major reasons for this are that they do not feel accepted, and they lack access to proper medical services. These are the two things that are being threatened, and rather than supporting this wonderful group of brave individuals, they are being stripped of what
We have the wealth and capacity to keep diseases like measles at bay. Why aren’t we setting an example for the the world?
— Gary Dale, West Hill
they need to survive.
A community is judged on how well it treats its most vulnerable members. Politicians supporting transgender hate should think about how they will be judged by history.
Tracy Simmons, Kawartha Lakes
True leaders would fight for inclusion
I find Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s response to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s transgender policy disingenuous.
He calls out Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, admonishing him to butt out and “let parents raise kids.” However it is Smith who has inserted herself into the lives of parents and children.
Parents, children and youth in Alberta now have fewer medical options and children and youth have diminished privacy. Smith asserts this is necessary to protect children. There is no substantive evidence to support this claim and in the opinion of some, notably the Canadian Paediatric Society and the LGBTQ community, the policies will be harmful not protective.
When asked about this, Smith responded that “these young people are very troubled and need psychological support.”
I think “these young people” are doing the best they can in a hostile environment that is becoming more hostile with this policy.
I suggest that the “very troubled in need of psychological support” are those who because of ignorance, insecurity, malice or votes are unable to support children as they are.
Children are people not property. Exclusion, coercion and oppression will never make good policy. True leaders will have the courage to stand up for inclusion and equity.
Poilievre’s response is partisan, populist and lacking leadership. Stan Spicker, Midland, Ont.
Transgender people just want to live their lives in peace with the rights and dignity that every Canadian citizen deserves. However, they are being used to score political points to appease an intolerant, discriminatory and hatefilled segment of the population.
Transgender youth just want freedom
Alberta’s proposed limits on trans youth’s access to health care, sports criticized by feds, LGBTQ members., Feb. 1
I am disturbed by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s plan of integrating a new set of rules affecting transgender youth and their access to health care, pronoun usage in school and their sporting lives.
The new changes being implemented this fall will cause transgender youth to lose access to some of their most basic rights as human beings, they will lose the ability to freely express themselves and who they are, in a way that is safe and not self-destructive.
As mentioned in the article, the leading reasons behind high suicide rates in children are due to worry about sexual and gender identities.
With the new rules coming into play so soon, this could possibly trigger an increase in those rates, children across the province will have their ability to be themselves taken from them before they are given the chance to begin exploring who they are.
Children will lose the ability to live freely as who they are in a country that preaches equality.
Let’s start worrying about the vulnerable population, and move away from an unaccepting, destructive environment.
Paula Martinez Arnaz, Toronto
TRACY SIMMONS KAWARTHA LAKES