Canadian celebrities are showing their support for Trans rights in a letter titled “Artists Against Anti-Trans Legislation in Canada,” which highlights the ways in which the country is failing the trans community.
The letter was drawn up by pop duo Tegan and Sara, whose foundation raises funds to fight for LGBTQ+ equality and justice through programming and support of grassroots organizations and activists. Signers include Canadian icons, actor Elliot Page, pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen, Alanis Morrisette, and Adam DiMarco.
In March, Tegan and Sara accepted the Humanitarian Award at the 2024 June Awards, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences’ annual music industry awards.
The letter was published on Transgender Day of Visibility and opens saying “We all deserve the freedom to be ourselves, to be safe and treated with dignity.” The letter goes on the say: “2SLGBTQIA+ people are our friends, family, neighbors and coworkers. But far right groups are tapping into fear and pitting us against each other so they can create a Canada where we’re afraid of difference. We are trending towards more harmful anti-trans legislation in Canada, and we call on our communities and local and national policymakers to put a stop to this concerning surge in anti-trans policy.”
Canada was the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2005, but like the U.S. their recent political sentiments toward the LGBTQ+ community seem to be regressing instead of moving forward. Though anti-trans bills haven’t yet been signed into law in Canada the way we’ve seen in the U.S. Many have been introduced to ban gender affirming care and prevent trans kids from participating in sports aligned with their gender.
According to Pitchfork, the provinces of New Brunswick and Saskatchewan announced parental consent would be required before schools can honor the chosen names and pronouns of children under the age of 16. The Tegan and Sara Foundation’s letter addresses these issues stating: “The government should never put themselves between parents, their kids, and evidence-based healthcare and support.”
