Toronto – March 26, 2025 – March 31st is the International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). This day is dedicated to celebrating transgender people, their contributions to society and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide.
Transphobic sentiments continue to escalate among the far-right in Canada. In the United States and United Kingdom, bills and laws are being issued that target transgender civil rights, threatening lives and communities. Transgender Day of Visibility is a day to combat the hate, to uplift and celebrate the trans community, and advance awareness about the challenges they face.
Trans people are a vital part of our community and an essential component of the workforce and the labour movement. Trans people have always been a part of Canada’s life and history, and there is no possibility of winning workplace protections and rights unless we can win them for everyone.
Labour unions have been long-standing advocates for transgender rights, and their support is crucial in the face of current attacks. In 2020, 85% of UFCW survey-respondents who identified as intersex, transgender or non-binary stated that they observed or experienced anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in the workplace (in a 1,000 person survey of 2SLGBTQ+ UFCW members). This is twice as much as any other responding group.
In Alberta, UFCW 401 is helping to lead the fight against Premier Smith’s escalating attacks on trans rights with education, advocacy and organizing. Numerous local unions across the country are educating and advocating about trans justice within their networks.
Bennett Jenson, the Director of Legal at Egale Canada, a 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy organization sat down with UFCW Canada last year to explain how the impact of current laws are impacting trans Canadians.
Vote Rainbow Equality
This month, with the Federal election happening on April 28th, UFCW Canada is proud to be participating in Queer Momentum’s non-partisan Vote Rainbow Equality campaign – an initiative focused on empowering Canadians to speak up for freedom, equality and human rights. We encourage our members to add their names to the campaign, and help us build a more free, equal and inclusive Canada – for everyone. Visit www.rainbowequality.ca to join the movement.
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