This past weekend, I overheard a telephone conversation between my 6-year old daughter and her dad. He was watching a documentary about Ruth Bader Ginsburg and was explaining who she is and her work. Here is some of what he said (I’m paraphrasing): “Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a lawyer. When she …
human rights
Awareness about Indigenous Realities
Reconciliation is a Verb Series – part 2 One of the foundational pieces to change is awareness. That’s not a new phenomenon; it just makes sense. So to kick start the series, here are a few important things to provide context for reconciliation work. Colonization is devastating. If you’re not …
A “Win” for Transgender Inmates?
It was announced today that transgender inmates in Federal prisons will be housed according to their gender identity and will be addressed using the correct pronouns (among other rights). This is a “win” for gender identity and expression and human rights – but what about for Trans and non-binary …
Seeing More About the Niqab
How many of you know a Niqabi woman? Did you know that is what a woman who wears a niqab might call herself? I didn't. How many of you have spoken to a Niqabi woman? I haven't. Not because I don’t want to, but because the opportunity has not presented itself. Interesting, right? Especially given …
Human Rights – Who Has Them, and Who Doesn’t
A few weeks ago, President Trump decided to reinstate a ban on transgender people serving in the military. It was a blow to transgender rights, which had been creeping along in a positive direction in the US. You can read more about the details here. The first thing that comes to mind is how some …
[Continue reading] Human Rights – Who Has Them, and Who Doesn’t
In the Wake of Nelson Mandela’s Death
There are many things I could write about this week: How the sign language fiasco at Nelson Mandela’s memorial is an example of how bias keeps us from recognizing or acknowledging issues that for some people are so very vital. How the stigma of mental illness keeps it in the shadows, and prevents …
Questions about Slavery
Last week my partner and our daughter were at a Royal Ontario Museum program exploring the Mesopotamia exhibit. The guide was explaining the ins and outs of Mesopotamian civilization, which included the "Free Pass" for slaves that had been freed by their owner. This is when one of the moms in the …
The Dangers of Ignorance in Positions of Power
You have undoubtedly, by now, read or heard about MP Rob Anders petition against bill C279 and why he is opposed. *sigh* Let's all take a moment to review: - Transgender individuals currently don't have human rights in Canada. This is a disgrace. - Bill C279 is about rectifying this so that Trans …
[Continue reading] The Dangers of Ignorance in Positions of Power
Improving Human Rights in Canada
What’s it like to not have human rights protection in Canada? Yes, you read correctly. You may be thinking if someone is old enough, and depending on their identities, that they may remember. Think again. If you are transgender* in Canada, you are not protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act …
Systemic “isms”
Systemic 'isms' are often hard to detect. Sometimes because we have grown up with these policies, laws, and ways of doing things - and so don't critique them (like the fact that until 1990 only Canadian women were able to take time off when their children were born). Sometimes because …