Statement on the Trans Day of Visibility

Today Borderland Pride made the following statement in recognition of the 2025 Trans Day of Visibility:

"Transgender people are individuals whose gender identity does not align with the sex assigned to them at birth. In April 2022, Canada became the first country in the world to publish census data on transgender and non-binary people. As of May 2021, it was estimated that there were over 100,000 transgender or non-binary people aged 15 and older in Canada - about 1 out of every 300 people.

"While significant legal advancements in transgender rights have occurred over in recent decades, Canadian courts have also repeatedly recognized that transgender people remain among the most marginalized in Canadian society, and that trans people continue to live their lives facing disadvantage, prejudice, stereotyping, and vulnerability. Statistics Canada has concluded that they are at increased risk of violence, and report higher rates of poor mental health, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse as a means to cope with abuse or violence they have experienced. Studies have concluded that they are disadvantaged relative to the general public in housing, employment, and healthcare. Studies have also found that transgender people have traditionally faced greater access to justice barriers than the broader population.

"The Trans Day of Visibility is dedicated to celebrating transgender people, raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people, and acknowledging their contributions to society. The importance of recognizing and standing in solidarity with trans and gender diverse people is underscored today by the ongoing political attacks against this vulnerable group - including against trans young people - by Donald Trump's MAGA Republicans and their karaoke cousins in the Conservative Party of Canada and the Government of Alberta.

"These are political forces that have been mobilized to make it impossible for trans people to exist in public. They are punching down to vilify a vulnerable group for nefarious and irresponsible political reasons. But gender diversity is a scientific reality. Trans people exist, their ability to live their lives and participate fully in society must be protected, and they deserve our respect and understanding as valued citizens of our community.

"Trans and gender diverse people are nothing new, and they exist in communities around the world - including this one. In 2023, Borderland Pride was proud to work with the Ontario Heritage Trust to erect a historic plaque celebrating Dianna Boileau, a local resident who went on to become one of the first Canadians to receive gender-affirming surgery. The heritage plaque is installed at the main entrance of La Verendrye Hospital. Local efforts to tell Dianna's story were recognized by the Ontario Historical Society's Russell K. Cooper Award for Public Programming."

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For more information, contact:

Borderland Pride

borderlandpride@gmail.com