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ACCEPTING TRANSGENDER CANADIANS

The Acceptance of Transgender Canadians

Arielle Guerrier

Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology

COMM-LL041-10

Dr. D. Lucas
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ACCEPTING TRANSGENDER CANADIANS

November 12, 2020

Arielle Guerrier

Dr. Duncan Lucas

COMM-LL041-10

November 12, 2020

The Acceptance of Transgender Canadians

What makes someone Canadian? Canadians are known for their kindness but lack

acceptance for transgender people. Recognizing the difference between one person and

another should not change your perception of them. A responsible Canadian is accepting and

respectful to transgender Canadians.

Firstly, Transgender Canadians are victims of bullying and violence. Although

transgender people have progressed in society, there is still progress to be made. According to

Mitchell (2017), “20 percent” of transgender Canadians have been “physically or sexually

assaulted,” and “34 percent had been verbally threatened or harassed” (p. 274). Transgender

Canadians are facing a large amount of transphobia in a country that is supposed to be united.

Therefore, Canadians are not respecting transgender people, they are creating unnecessary

division. According to Pearson (1949), “The basic quality of tolerance” should be “the first

importance” (p.1). Canadians need to prioritize the way that they treat people. Transgender

people like everyone else, need respect.

Secondly, Mental health illnesses are not uncommon in the transgender community.

Although mental illness can form without cause, mistreatment has an impact. According to
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ACCEPTING TRANSGENDER CANADIANS

Mitchell (2017), “more than 50 percent” have symptoms of “clinical depression,” “77 percent”

have “considered suicide,” “43 had actually committed suicide,” and “70 percent” were

“nineteen years of age or younger.” (p.274). Someone who has barely lived should not feel a

need to take their lives. Canadians need to acknowledge the destruction that they have caused

the transgender community. According to Harper, Canadians feel compelled to correct their

wrongs “for the simple reason that it is the decent thing to do” and “a characteristic to be

found at the core of the Canadian soul.” (2017. p. 29). Respecting transgender people is a way

Canadians can correct their wrongs. Respect is essential.

Finally, Transgender people have a hard time at school. Although schools are supposed

to be safe, transgender Canadians are getting targeted. According to Mitchell (2017), “23

percent of students reported that teachers directed transphobia comments at them,” and “90

percent” have reported being victims of “transphobic comments.” (p. 274) Students are the

future, their gender identity should not define them, transgender students are equal to

everyone. Canadians need to learn to accept everybody as it will benefit the nation as a whole.

In line with Harper (2006), “we have the collective responsibility to build a country based firmly

on the notion of equality.” (p. 31) It is the responsibility of Canadians to accept one another.

Equality is the key to a strong country.

In conclusion, Canadians need to treat transgender people healthier. Transphobia leads

transgender Canadians to struggle with violence, bullying, and mental illness. Mistreating

someone because of their gender identity is not okay. Canadians need to respect, recognize,

and accept transgender people.

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ACCEPTING TRANSGENDER CANADIANS

References

Harper, S. (2006, June 22). Address by the Prime Minister on the Chinese Head Tax Redress -

Canada.ca. Canada.Com. https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive/2006/06/address-

prime-minister-chinese-head-tax-redress.html

Pearson, L. B. (1949). Implications of a Free Society. Words and Occasions.