It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the continued violence, harassment and discrimination faced by people who do not live their lives according to social expectations of their birth-assigned sex. It is a time to promote solidarity and learn about the changes needed in perceptions, laws and policies so that trans people can live and work in safety and dignity.
There are some concrete actions we can take to support the struggle for trans rights:
- Educate yourself and your members about trans issues. Invite a trans activist to speak to your local. Ask for union education courses and equality presentations in your region.
- Check out the CUPE presentation on transphobic harassment and discrimination in employment and health care.
- Check out the interviews with CUPE members Deidra Roberts and Martine Stonehouse in the Queer Story Archives at onmyplanet.ca
- Bargain language to specify that your no discrimination clause covers gender identity and gender expression. Negotiate paid leave and other benefits for transitioning members.
- Check out CUPE’s Bargaining LGBTTI Rights: A checklist for collective agreement language, part of our Bargaining equality resource collection.
- Lobby for the inclusion of gender identity and gender expression as protected grounds of discrimination in all provincial human rights codes and the Canadian Human Rights Act, and for protection in federal hate crime legislation.
- Support efforts to establish or improve public funding of gender reassignment surgery and other health care services for trans people.
- Participate in November 20 events in your community.
- Share information about your activities, including photographs, to promote solidarity and inspire others to take up the fight. Send information to equality@cupe.ca
Help make your workplace and your community a safe and inclusive space for those who identify as transgender.