Forwarded conversation

Subject: Bill C-389

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From: [name redacted]

Date: Fri, Nov 26, 2010 at 12:15 AM
To: McColeman.P@parl.gc.ca

Dear Phil,

Gender identity and gender expression are terms that are unfamiliar to most
people in society. This involves a marginalized community within a
marginalized community (trans community within the greater queer
community). These are individuals who often live well below the poverty line,
have troubles finding work, and face lengthy battles in getting their gender
changed on government issued ID. I actually spoke this week with a trans
individual who was unable to vote in the last municipal election because of
their ID doesn't say the name that they actually go by because they cannot
afford the $140 fee to change their name legally. Bill C-389 one of the first
steps to aid those who struggle with problems of gender identity and gender
expression. While they may not make up a large portion of the population in
our riding of Brant, they tend to lack the support in smaller communities and
move to larger communities where they have strength of support in numbers.
I implore you for vote for this private members bills so that equal rights may
be extended to this marginalized community. Canada has long be a place
that has fought for equal rights in marginalized communities. Please
continue to make Canada a beacon in the equal rights of all human beings.

Sincerely,

[name redacted]
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From: <McColeman.P@parl.gc.ca>
Date: Tue, Nov 30, 2010 at 10:40 AM
To: [name redacted]

Dear [name redacted],

Thank you for your email regarding Bill C-389 which seeks to protect people
from various harms based on their gender identity and gender expression.

As this Bill contains provisions which are unclear and unnecessary, I will not
be voting in favour of it. In my view, the Bill fails to provide clear definitions
for the terms “Gender Expression” and “Gender Identity.” It is important that
these terms be clearly defined for any bill that is dealing with this issue. In
addition, it is my opinion that this Bill is unnecessary, as the Canadian Human
Rights Act (CHRA) already provides legal protection for persons experiencing
discrimination related to their respective sex, sexual orientation or other
relevant grounds for complaint. Adding “Gender Identity,” to the CHRA would
be redundant, as discrimination against the transgendered community has
already been recognized by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.

Our government is proud of the fact that Canada is recognized internationally

as a country that is deeply committed to the principles of respect for diversity
and equality; principles which are enshrined in our Constitution and our laws.

As demonstrated by our tough on crime agenda, this Government also

believes that all law abiding Canadians should be protected from crime in this
country.

Thank you for sharing your opinion regarding Bill C-389 and providing me
with an opportunity to explain my position.
Sincerely,

Phil McColeman
Member of Parliament - Brant
www.philmccolemanmp.ca
(519) 754-4300
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From: [name redacted]

Date: Tue, Nov 30, 2010 at 11:00 AM
To: McColeman.P@parl.gc.ca

Dear Phil,

It's quite clear that you do not listen to the voice of your constituents, which
is what you were supposedly elected to do, even though I didn't vote for you.

Let me define some terms so maybe you are able to understand, since you
have little experience dealing with Queer Issues. Gender Identity and Gender
expression are terms that may be difficult to explain. Gender Identity is the
gender that someone identifies as. For example, even though my gender
says I'm male, I may see myself as a woman and prefer the pronouns "she"
and "her" as oppose to "he" and "him". This is an important stage in a trans
individuals life, where they have identified that they wish to change
something about themselves. You can't just snap your fingers to changed
you gender. This can lead to gender expression, showing the gender that
you identify with. Not every person gets surgery, some people prefer
hormone treatment. I could start dressing as a women because that is who I
identify as, but legally women and still physically male in my anatomy.

These individuals often live well below the poverty line, have little to no social
support, often can not get a job, or lose it once they find out the individual is
trans.

If the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has recognized gender identity as an

act of discrimination, this is further need to incorporate it into the CHRA. In
addition, sex does not mean gender. If sex meant gender, then there should
be an option for trans on government ID. If sex meant gender, then any
individual should be able to change their gender on their government ID
without hassle.

You are supposed to be representing the people, it's time you get in touch
with people and discover the diversity of human life and the struggles that
people in our society face.

Sincerely,

[name redacted]