Recognizing human rights for transgender, two-spirit, and gender diverse youth

Press Release

As Alberta debates legislation and policy around transgender, two-spirit, non-binary, and gender diverse youth, the Alberta Human Rights Commission confirms these characteristics are protected grounds in the Alberta Human Rights Act. The Preamble to the Act includes:

In Alberta, as a fundamental principle and as a matter of public policy, all persons are equal in dignity, rights, and responsibilities without regard to gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

Every area listed in the Act, from services to employment, repeats these characteristics as protected human rights grounds.

The Commission urges compassion and recognition of the inherent dignity of all Albertans, including the particular vulnerability of 2SLGBTQ+ youth. The debates around reasonable and justifiable limits on equality rights cannot be an excuse to let prejudice rise.

Transgender, two-spirit, non-binary, and gender diverse youth are some of the most vulnerable people in Alberta today. A national survey of almost 3,000 transgender and non-binary Canadians conducted by TransPulse Canada found:

• 1 in 5 transgender or non-binary youth avoided schools in the past five years for fear of harassment or outing.
• 2 in 5 transgender or non-binary youth considered suicide in the past year; 1 in 10 attempted suicide.

These youth need support, understanding, and acceptance. While the Legislature considers what it thinks is the right balance, Albertans should approach the discussion focused on the dignity, humanity, and need for equality of this vulnerable group.

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