If anyone still harboured sincere doubts that online and broadcast hate speech can have dire consequences, they must have been erased after the horrific attack earlier this summer on a gender studies class at the University of Waterloo. That is, if they weren’t already shaken by the video of a man hurling transphobic abuse at a nine-year-old girl at a Kelowna track meet just weeks before.
The past few years have seen a surge of transphobia in Canada, traceable in no small part to the cynical exploitation of the fear of transgender people by right-wing American politicians and media networks.
In a concerning turn of events, Republicans have shamelessly weaponized transgender rights, using it as a divisive tool to further their own political agenda. State legislatures and governors affiliated with the Republican party have been brazenly enacting a series of discriminatory laws aimed at undermining the rights of transgender individuals. These laws unjustly target crucial aspects such as access to gender-affirming medical care for minors and even seek to oppress the artistic expression of drag performers. Among the proponents of these regressive measures is Florida’s Governor, Ron DeSantis, who has unabashedly embraced a transphobic platform in a desperate bid to gain traction for his increasingly hopeless and improbable presidential campaign. With such blatant disregard for inclusivity, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in defending the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
Myths and misinformation have spread quickly, through a tangled infrastructure of fringe “news” networks and websites, social media and Fox News personalities. And a mob mentality has taken hold, targeting even the most innocuous expressions of support for transgender rights. Witness the success that right-wing media, online mobs and belligerent individuals have had in pressuring corporate giants such as Budweiser and Target to abandon, respectively, a partnership with a trans activist and a range of Pride-themed clothing.
Will Canada go down this same path? We’re already seeing some of these views supported by elected politicians, school trustees and even a provincial government. And we have our own toxic alternative-to-reality media ecosystem to contend with, albeit nowhere near as well-developed as that in the U.S. … yet.
We may be nearing the tipping point — but we haven’t reached it yet. The incidents in Waterloo and Kelowna were met with a public outpouring of support for the transgender community, showcasing the increasing awareness and acceptance of gender diversity in society. It is heartening to witness the solidarity and empathy demonstrated by individuals and communities in standing up against discrimination and advocating for inclusivity.
History teaches us that it is solidarity, not silence, that makes enduring progress.”
Despite the presence of protesters who fearmonger over drag queen story hours, it is essential to recognize that they are consistently vastly outnumbered by counter-protests. These counter-protests emphasize the prevailing sentiment of respect and understanding that exists among a significant portion of the population. By actively opposing ignorance and championing equality, people are making strides towards a more inclusive society.
Moreover, it is worth mentioning the positive results of recent elections that reflect the evolving attitudes towards gender diversity. In a recent school board by-election in Prince George, two candidates who support transgender rights and gender-diverse education won overwhelming victories. This outcome not only underscores the growing public support for the rights of transgender individuals but also highlights a promising shift towards prioritizing inclusive education for all.
It is important to remember that progress takes time, and there is still work to be done. However, these instances of support, resilience, and progress serve as beacons of hope for a future where every individual, regardless of their gender identity, is respected, valued, and celebrated.
That should give heart to everyone who shares in that support, particularly those whose support has until now been silent. Because if we don’t want to get to that tipping point, it’s important for that silence to end.
And that includes the gay and lesbian community, where some have hesitated to speak up for their transgender neighbours, perhaps hoping that by keeping their heads down, they can hold onto their own hard-won rights even as others lose theirs. History teaches us that that’s always a losing strategy — that it is solidarity, not silence, that makes enduring progress. History would also remind us that trans activists Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson were among the first to fight back in the Stonewall uprising that is so central to the history of queer liberation.
Let these lessons guide us as we strive for a society that embraces diversity and inclusivity, where every person can live authentically and without fear of discrimination. Together, let us continue to challenge and dismantle transphobia, ensuring a future where equal rights and respect are extended to all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or expression.