Laura Turnbull Psychology

Happy Transgender Day of Visibility!

Listening to my transgender peers today, I have been reflecting on safety vs visibility for trans people. As one friend so clearly stated, "I am more and more safe the less visible my transness is."
It shouldn't be that way - transgender people should be free from violence and discrimination regardless of appearance. Even more so, transgender people need to be viewed as whole people, with unique perspectives, needs, wishes, opinions, and characteristics!

For those who want to learn more about how transgender people experience the discrimination they face, check out the learning resources on Egale.ca.

You may also consider paying close attention to the way gender (and especially transgender people) are talked about, your own automatic thoughts and reactions around gender, and what you've been taught gender is (and isn't).
Also consider following trans people's social media and simply listening to their stories and perspectives.

If you want to take action, consider donating to organizations that support and affirm transgender rights and care. Some amazing organizations are the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity, EGALE, Rainbow Railroad, or PFLAG.

The uncovering of the remains of 215 children at a Kamloops former residential school is a horrific reminder of the violence, oppression, and trauma that First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples on this continent of endured. The impacts of genocide on Indigenous communities is devastating, and the oppression and violence continues today in this country. We must be willing to face the truth of our history and take action to change how Indigenous people are treated, sit with the racist ideologies we were taught, and take meaningful action.

I am listening to the experiences of people affected by colonial violence and learning (and unlearning), humbling myself to my blindspots and misperceptions. It is not easy, and it is not enough.