International Day of Trans Visibility - Recognition

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : I'm proud to rise and mark the upcoming Transgender Day of Visibility on Sunday. I'm proud to join all my colleagues in this House in standing in support of trans and gender-diverse Nova Scotians.

We see politicians at the federal and provincial levels toying with trans rights in the name of political gain. In Nova Scotia we have an opportunity to be an example and to set a standard for parties of all stripes. On this Trans Day of Visibility, we're not just standing to support trans rights but to fight for the right of trans folks to thrive.

To do this, we know we need to support trans youth, seniors, and people of all colours and abilities. We need to listen to the community and put in the work, which my colleague for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island has done continuously. We need to see better health care access and outcomes for queer and trans Nova Scotians. We need attention to schools and school-based discrimination. We need to foster an equitable environment that allows people to devote their time and careers to skilled trades and other areas where workforce is so needed.

Now is the time for all of us in this House to stand up for what is right and ensure that policy and legislation coming from this Chamber is affirming of gender identities of all ages. We can only fight disinformation and hate in a meaningful way by working together, and our caucus stands ready to help in any way we can.