Brock recently took steps to be more inclusive by designating single-stall washrooms on the main floor of the Schmon Tower as “gender inclusive,” meaning anyone can use them.
Brock Pride, in co-operation with the University’s Human Rights and Equity Office, has organized a series of transgender-related events on campus from Nov. 17 to 21.
Transgender, trans, and gender non-conforming are umbrella terms that encompass persons whose identity or expression breaches the gender roles that society expects of them. Gender identity refers to an individual’s innate sense of self as male/masculine, female/feminine, somewhere in between, or outside of gender boundaries.
The central focus of the week is the Transgender Day of Remembrance, a memorial service that remembers trans persons who have been killed as a result of transphobia, which is the hatred or fear of people who do not conform to gender expectations.
Precious Omoruyi, president of student-run Brock Pride, said the club decided to hold a more-sustained initiative surrounding trans issues, rather than a single memorial service.
The following trans-related events will take place during the week:
• Monday, Nov. 17: The transgender flag will be displayed in the Thistle corridor near Sean O’Sullivan Theatre. Resource tables will be set up in Mackenzie Chown A block from noon to 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 18: Workshop 1: “Transgender 101,” facilitated by Mike Sherman, WH 208, 4-6 p.m.; Workshop 2: “Transsexual Health,” Dr. Charles A. Sankey Chamber, 7-9 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m.: Transgender Day of Remembrance memorial service, organized by Transgender Niagara, Silver Spire United Church, 366 St. Paul St., St. Catharines.
• Thursday, Nov. 20, 7-9 p.m., Th 257: Speaker panel addresses issues such as poverty, mental health, intersectionality, relationships, and violence against trans people. Panelists include representatives from community organizations Transgender Niagara, PFLAG, and Quest Community Health Centre. Refreshments provided.
5-7p.m., Th 244: In addition to Brock Pride events, a class in the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies will host “Joy of Gender,” which will be presented by trans activist and educator Hershel Russell. The CBC series Doc Zone is shooting a documentary about Russell, and part of it will be shot at Brock.
• Friday, Nov. 21, 7-10 p.m., Th 244: Screening of documentary “Two Spirits.”
Brock recently took steps to be more inclusive by designating single-stall washrooms on the main floor of the Schmon Tower as “gender inclusive,” meaning anyone can use them. Trans persons are often targets of violence in gender-specific change rooms and washrooms.
Tom Saint-Ivany, associate vice-president, Facilities Management, says Brock has completed an inventory of single-user washrooms “and as our operating budget allows, we’ll progressively undertake their conversion into gender-inclusive washrooms, including signage and amenities.”
Marla Terreberry-Portfilio, Human Rights and Equity officer, said the gender-inclusive washrooms are “an important signal of inclusivity at the University.”
Despite human rights gains at the provincial level in the past few years, gender non-conforming individuals face many struggles, such as in the areas of the workplace, housing, and health.
The Canadian Mental Health Association recently reported on a provincewide poll that found 77 per cent of trans respondents had considered suicide and 45 per cent had attempted suicide, far greater than the national average.
To learn more about the trans experience, click here.
