More than 400 Canadian artists, including Tegan and Sara, Elliot Page, Alan Doyle, and Neil Young, have signed an open letter denouncing anti-trans legislation in Canada. The artists express concern about the impact of these policies on the mental and physical well-being of transgender individuals, particularly targeting youth seeking gender-affirming care. The letter specifically calls out Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s proposed pronoun policies for gender diverse children in schools, as well as similar legislation in New Brunswick and Saskatchewan.
Tegan and Sara, who were recently recognized with a humanitarian award at the Juno Awards, have been vocal about their opposition to the anti-trans legislation in Canada. Sara Quin highlighted the wave of such legislation across Canada and the United States, urging proactive measures to address the issue. The sisters emphasized the importance of focusing on pressing issues such as climate change, the housing crisis, and the rise in opioid-related deaths, rather than targeting trans youth with discriminatory policies.
The letter, signed by a wide range of Canadian artists including Anne Murray, Deepa Mehta, and Michael Crummey, calls on all levels of government to put a stop to harmful legislation targeting transgender individuals. Notable signatories also include Aysanabee, Colin Mochrie, Feist, Tokyo Police Club, Metric, The Beaches, Paul Langlois of The Tragically Hip, Emily Hampshire of Schitt’s Creek, and Rufus Wainwright. The timing of the letter coincides with Transgender Day of Visibility, dedicated to raising awareness of discrimination faced by the trans community.
Tegan and Sara’s recognition by the Junos for their work with LGBTQ+ youth, presented by Elliot Page, further highlights the importance of supporting and advocating for the rights of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Page emphasized the devastating effects of revoking, restricting, and eliminating the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide. The artists who signed the letter are unified in their opposition to school-based pronoun policies and proposed bans on hormone therapy, and are determined to stand up against discriminatory legislation that poses a threat to the well-being of transgender individuals in Canada.
The artists’ collective voice in denouncing anti-trans legislation in Canada serves as a powerful statement against discrimination and harmful policies targeting transgender individuals, particularly youth seeking gender-affirming care. By bringing together a diverse group of Canadian artists from various fields, the letter sends a strong message to all levels of government to prioritize the well-being and rights of transgender individuals. The importance of advocacy, support, and visibility for the trans community is highlighted through the actions of Tegan and Sara, Elliot Page, and other prominent signatories. Moving forward, it is crucial for society to continue the fight against discrimination and work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting environment for all individuals, regardless of gender identity.
