Alberta capital proclaims Trans Day of Visibility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- March 31, 2015 -- EDMONTON

The Trans Equality Society of Alberta (TESA) is pleased to announce the City of Edmonton’s Proclamation supporting the 2015 observance of Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV).

Trans Day of Visibility is an international observation that takes place annually on March 31 to celebrate the accomplishments of trans*-identified individuals as well as raising awareness about the discrimination that they face.

Proclaiming March 31, 2015 as "Transgender Day of Visibility," Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson notes not only that "all people deserve the freedom to live authentically, with equal opportunities to participate in community life," but also that "transgender and gender nonconforming people can face discrimination, ignorance and even violence, making it difficult to express their true identity …".

"Receiving support from every level of government, including municipal government, is critical in helping overcome the discrimination that trans* individuals face," says TESA president Jan Buterman. "The recent discriminatory amendment added to the federal anti-discrimination Bill C-279 clearly demonstrates that discrimination against trans* individuals is remains a current issue in Canada."

On February 25, 2015, majority members of a Senate standing committee voted to add an amendment to Bill C-279 that would enshrine exclusion of trans* people from places such as federal washrooms or change rooms, a move that explicitly denies trans* equality.

"Trans* Albertans can be proud that our province and our capital city are willing to embrace diversity and recognise the importance of removing discriminatory barriers," says Buterman, noting that the Alberta government recently passed legislation that explicitly enumerates protection for gender identity and gender expression in the Alberta Bill of Rights.

TESA’s mission is to be a witness and voice for matters concerning trans* Albertans. "All people includes trans*-identified people. Ongoing trans-exclusionary actions and the terrible consequences of such actions show that it is important that these protections be made explicit in our laws," says Buterman. "Respecting trans* people, whether visible or not, helps ensure our Alberta communities are welcoming and inclusive of all."


For more information regarding Trans Day of Visibility, see Observances.


More information about TESA can be found at www.tesaonline.org

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