November 20 is the Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 20 is Trans Day of Remembrance in Canada and around the world. November 20 is a day to remember those lost to violence and to re-commit to fighting transphobia. In your community, you may find vigils to honour trans lives lost, or workshops and lectures where you can learn more about the experiences and concerns of trans people.
In the workplace, gender-variant, non-binary and transgendered people are victims of harassment at a far greater rate than their cis-gendered colleagues. They also report lower levels of satisfaction at work, and feeling less valued and less respected.
Creating a workplace that honours diversity and inclusion means creating a trans-inclusive workplace. There are documents tailored to the public service that explore the subject.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada has created a fact sheet on fostering a trans-inclusive workplace. The fact sheet features sections on what managers, co-workers and unions can do to foster an inclusive environment. The link also leads to information on gender-inclusive washrooms.
Public Service Pride offers a resource for employees who are gender-diverse called The Guide for Two-Spirit, Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender-Diverse Employees in the Federal Public Service. This guide includes practical advice and strategies for addressing challenges to creating a safe and comfortable working environment.
The JLP is currently revising the in-person workshop Respecting Differences and Anti-Discrimination, which will be re-launched in the coming months. In the workshop, participants will explore creating a welcoming and positive environment for, among others, gender-diverse and gender-creative employees.
The JLP is committed to promoting respectful and healthy workplaces, exempt of transphobia and all forms of discrimination and harassment. We recognize Trans Day of Remembrance as a time to honour and remember those who have lost their lives due to ignorance and hatred, specifically because of their transgender or gender non-conforming identities. This day also offers us the chance to further our own education and celebrate the lives of trans and non-binary individuals and the invaluable contributions they make to our communities.
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