2SLGBTQ+ COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU TO CONSIDER OUR INTERESTS

THERE IS STILL HARD WORK TO BE DONE AND YOU CAN HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH YOUR VOTE, WRITES SCOTT WILLIAMS

We reached out to members of Metroland's Community Advisory Councils, asking them to write about issues of importance during this provincial election. This is one of those columns.

One of the issues that faces 2SLGBTQ+ people is that we are frequently invisible outside of Pride month. As we head into a provincial election, we want our voices to be heard.

SPECTRUM is one of many 2SLGBTQ+ organizations across Ontario that worked together to launch the nonpartisan Queer Vote Ontario initiative last month.

We are asking for action on three priorities, including the development of a provincial 2SLGBTQ+ action plan, funding for 2SLGBTQ+ community organizations and services, and access to gender affirming health-care coverage.

At queervote.ca, individuals can take and share a pledge that they will stand with 2SLGBTQ+ people when it comes time to vote, and candidates can take a pledge that they will support 2SLGBTQ+ people should they be elected. Candidates can also complete a questionnaire that will help voters understand where the candidate stands on issues important to us.

Continually here in Waterloo Region, 2SLGBTQ+ people — and especially transgender and non-binary people — face discrimination and hatred. Whether it's disguised in discussions about the age appropriateness of books in school libraries, or involves the overt sharing of trans exclusive writings and speech, it means that we don't feel safe and we don't feel welcome.

The local Outlook Study found that 73 per cent of trans people fear they will die young. Read that again. 73 per cent of trans people in our community fear they will die young.

2SLGBTQ+ youth in our community are struggling to cope with hate and harassment, family rejection and homelessness, and a variety of mental health challenges.

Despite these crises, rainbow organizations like SPECTRUM are chronically underfunded. We need our leaders to recognize this and commit to providing stable financial support to 2SLGBTQ+ community organizations. We need them to commit to providing access to gender affirming health-care coverage. We need them to commit to the development of a provincial 2SLGBTQ+ action plan that will help us track these and other important life-saving issues.

When you head to the polls, your 2SLGBTQ+ family members and friends need you to consider our interests. Will you help us fight homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in Waterloo Region? Visit queervote.ca to take the pledge and share it with your networks. And, as we head into Pride month, please remember that Pride is not just a party — it's a protest. There is still hard work to be done and you can help make a difference with your vote.