On November 20, we recognize Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to honour the many trans and non-binary lives lost to hate. It is also an opportunity to educate ourselves about the continued issues that trans people face every day and what we can do to help.

Now more than ever, trans and non-binary people need support. They are more likely to attempt suicide, to self-harm and to experience homelessness compared to their cisgender counterparts. And now, with the rise of anti-trans sentiment in Canada and the introduction of anti-trans legislation, the threat of violence is even greater.

Just this year, the governments of Saskatchewan and New Brunswick have put in place laws that target and endanger trans and non-binary children. For students who do not feel safe to come out at home, these laws force them to stay in the closet and deny who they truly are for fear of being outed involuntarily. And for those who do get outed, they face the very real possibility of violence or homelessness.

This cannot continue. Trans and non-binary people deserve to be safe and treated with respect.

Get Involved 

How can allies help? Using inclusive language is one basic way to respect Two-Spirt, trans and non-binary people.

We can also take time to educate ourselves on trans issues, volunteer our time with local organizations or support them whichever way we can. If you don’t know where to start, here is a good jumping-off point:

• Trans Pulse Canada (bilingual). This organization studies issues related to trans and non-binary people in Canada.

• Aide aux trans du Québec (bilingual). This Québec based organization offers support and resources for trans and non-binary people.

• Trans Sask (English). This resource network based in Saskatchewan is on the frontlines making schools in the province a safer place.

• NB Transgender Health Network (English). This organization offers resources and helps trans and non-binary folks navigate the healthcare system.

We also encourage you to attend a vigil or find an event happening in your community to recognize the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

November 20 is a day to honour and memorialize transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-trans violence, and an opportunity to raise awareness around the issues trans and gender non-conforming people continue to face.

The day was started by trans advocate and activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honor Rita Hester, a Black trans woman who was murdered in Boston in 1998. Rita’s murder is still unsolved, and too many transgender victims of violence continue to suffer the same fate.

Results of a national survey on harassment and violence in Canadian workplaces by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) revealed that trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse workers are experiencing higher rates of harassment and violence. For example, 73 per cent of gender-diverse respondents experienced sexual harassment and violence, compared to 46 per cent of women and 38 per cent of men.

We can all be better allies to our trans colleagues and friends by helping to build safer, more inclusive workplaces and communities. Because trans people deserve to be treated with respect and care — as human beings, like everyone else.

Learn more and take action

Using inclusive language is one of the ways we can honour Two-Spirt, trans and non-binary people. That’s why PSAC developed a Gender Inclusive Language Toolkit this year to help members, elected leaders and staff interact in a way that respects and celebrates our unique and diverse gender identities.

To ensure trans workers have the support they need in our workplaces, unions and communities, the CLC has also developed the Workers in Transition Guide, which union leaders and members can use to help better protect the rights of trans members.

We encourage you to attend a virtual vigil or find an event happening in your community to recognize the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.