The end of 2020 also marks the end of the strategic plan that began in 2017. While much of our work this year was oriented around our community’s needs during the pandemic, we haven’t faltered in encouraging long-term cultural shifts and promoting diversity and inclusion across all sectors. Throughout, we made it a priority to apply an intersectional lens to every program and to act in solidarity with other communities seeking justice, including Every Child Matters, the Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate movements. We are incredibly proud of the work we have done to make REAL impact in each of our four areas of focus: Research, Education, Awareness, and Legal Advocacy. In terms of reacting to the pandemic, some of our most important work was in research. Our two studies on the impacts of COVID-19 on 2SLGBTQI people, published in April and in September respectively, became an invaluable resource for decision-makers and advocates in assessing the community’s unique needs. Egale also jumped right into action with Queerantine 101, a resource hub that includes tips for youth stuck in quarantine with homophobic or transphobic family members, tools for educators, tips for maintaining physical and mental health, and tech how-to’s for seniors. Meanwhile, we switched to online workplace and school inclusion training in order to have the least possible interruption to this crucial work. We also launched some awareness campaigns to draw public attention to important issues facing the 2SLGBTQI community, including the fight for intersex rights and the personal weight of coming out. Egale began as a legal advocacy organization over thirty-five years ago, and we are still actively fighting to end legal discrimination against 2SLGBTQI people today. Last year, thanks to pro bono representation from Davies, we were able to act as an intervenor on behalf of the Centre for Gender Advocacy in a landmark case before the Superior Court of Quebec that confirmed many rights of trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people. The truly tireless commitment from our collaborators, supporters, and community is the foundation of all the work Egale was and is able to do. As the next strategic plan begins, there are many more exciting projects on the way. On behalf of the organization and the people our work has reached, we would like to extend our sincerest thanks to you for making all of this possible. |
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