February 2, 2021

One of the ways Egale achieves its mission, is by informing public policy and inspiring cultural change. 

On January 28, 2021, we did just that.

Early in the day, the Quebec Superior Court released a long awaited ruling that is considered the most wide-reaching case to date in Canada for the rights of trans and non-binary people and their families.

Egale is proud to have supported the Centre for Gender Advocacy as an intervener in this case, alongside LGBT Family Coalition and Gender Creative Kids Canada – thanks to pro bono representation from Davies. The ruling is one to be largely celebrated as it resulted in several significant wins advancing the rights of trans and non-binary people in Canada, regardless of citizenship.

In the same note, one of the most significant changes is that non-Canadian citizens in Quebec have the right to change their names and sex designations, in the same manner of Canadian citizens.

Other key holdings from the decision include:

  • non-binary people have the right to change their sex designation to something other than “male” or “female”;
  • non-binary parents have the right to be designated on their children’s birth registrations as something other than “mother” or “father”;
  • minors between 14 and 17 have the right to change their sex designations without an attestation from a health professional;
  • if a parent changes their sex designation, their children have the right to amend their own birth registrations to change the parent’s title from “mother” to “father”, or vice versa, accordingly;
  • people have the right to obtain birth, marriage, civil union or death certificates without sex being mentioned; 

While it is important to acknowledge that we need to do more, especially where intersex rights are concerned, we’re incredibly proud of this achievement and thankful for the hard work and emotional labour from plaintiffs and the Centre for Gender Advocacy.

We would also like to thank the legal teams who continue to take on these equity seeking cases on behalf of our community (pro-bono), and have done so for decades. For without their help, we wouldn't be where we are.

To read our full statement, as well as accessing the complete Judgement Ruling, click the button below.

 
 


Helen Kennedy, Executive Director

Egale In The News

 

Judge's ruling on Quebec's Civil Code hailed as victory for trans, non-binary people | CBC

 

LGBTQ youth locked down with unsupportive families during COVID-19 | Globe and Mail

 

LGBTQI2S News

 

Celebrating Black lesbian gay bisexual trans sports history | OutSports

 

Watch This Award-Winning Short Film By A Two Spirited Cree Filmmaker | Yohomo

 

Gay and Grey in Montreal: How one group helps older LGBTQ+ crowd find community | CBC News

 

Toronto bathhouse raids helped mobilize gay community (40th Anniversary) | Toronto Sun

 

They lived a 'double life' for decades. Now, these gay elders are telling their stories | NBC News

 

Hungary's government orders disclaimers on books with gay content | Reuters

 
 

Save the Date! Canadian Trans Summit

The inaugural Canadian Trans Summit is taking place on February 19-20, 2021, and you’re invited!

This virtual event will bring together committed trans, gender diverse, and Two Spirit community members from across Canada in a virtual space to discuss strategic collaboration in pursuit of trans rights and inclusion across Canada. Although we are saddened that we can not meet in person, we’re also thrilled to share that by going virtual we’re able to widen our reach and accessibility for participants across Canada by opening the registration to all!

 
 
 
 

New Rainbow Table Episodes Coming Soon!

Have you joined our Rainbow Table Facebook Group? Join to connect with over 800+ LGBTQI2S seniors and allies across Canada as we share relevant resources, news, and discussions! New episodes coming soon!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Take Part in our Dementia Study Focus Group!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Egale Canada Human Rights Trust
120 Carlton Street, Suite 217  | Toronto, Ontario M5A 4K2
416-964-7887 | [email protected]

Follow Us

Egale works to improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex and two-spirit (LGBTQI2S) people in Canada and to enhance the global response to LGBTQI2S issues. Egale will achieve this by informing public policy, inspiring cultural change, and promoting human rights and inclusion through research, education, and community engagement. Join us by supporting our work to improve the lives of all LGBTQI2S people.

 

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences