March 30, 2021

Yesterday, Statistics Canada released their 2019 annual report on police-reported hate crimes. While the figures are grim, they are nowhere near surprising. Police-reported hate crimes targeting sexual orientation and East & Southeast Asian populations were more often violent than not (StatCan, 2021). Coupled with the rise in anti-Asian racism across North America, government and community players need to be more proactive in addressing these ongoing crises.

Between 2018 and 2019, 41% more hate crimes against 2SLGBTQI people were reported to the police. Over half (53%) of those reported crimes were violent - and that’s in spite of the fact that members of the 2SLGBTQI community are less likely to report violent incidents to the police than other Canadians (StatCan, 2021).

With 2SLGBTQI communities witnessing a record-high number of hate crimes in 2019, the Canadian government and community need to be more proactive in addressing these incidents targeting sexual orientation and gender minority communities. Every year the data paints the same picture, yet there is an inadequate response from the Canadian Government on how to address this violence in a meaningful way.

In line with the rise in anti-Asian racism both here in Canada, and the United States, those living at the intersection of being 2SLGBTQI, Asian Canadian and an immigrant, while confronting a surge in anti-Asian hate and violence are facing a battle on many fronts to live openly and safely. Egale’s research on the impact of COVID-19 on Canada’s 2SLGBTQI has demonstrated the ways in which the physical and mental well-being of BIPOC communities, in particular, are acutely affected. Hate, violence, harassment and bullying has a profound impact on the well-being of our communities.

Learn more and read our full statements on Anti-Asian Racism following the Atlanta Shootings, and the record-high number of hate crimes targeting sexual orientation in 2019.

 
 
 


Helen Kennedy, Executive Director

Egale In The News

 

How dyeing yarn in a rainbow of colours helped this P.E.I. knitter find hope, and a side hustle | CBC

 

2SLGBTQI News

 

Women, LGBT people and students protest for rights in Turkey | CTV News

 

Two Spirit couple face racism and discrimination on journey to motherhood | APTN News

 

After making Brier history, N.L. skip Greg Smith says LGBT representation in curling is crucial | CBC 

 

The Catholic church silently lobbied against a suicide prevention hotline in the US because it included LGBT resources | Insider

 

'There's nothing to be fearful of': Parents and activists fight to keep transgender girls in school sports | USA Today 

 

Telling my husband I was gay was the first step to a new and happier life | The Globe and Mail

 

Join us for our finale COVID Legal Info Webinar | Yukon

Has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your employment or housing situation? Have you had trouble finding out what your rights are during this unprecedented time? Do you live in the Yukon?

Join us for our finale episode in our COVID-19 Legal Info for LGBTQI2S Communities webshow; Tuesday, March 30 at 10 AM MST / 1 PM EST! Our host Gitanjali Lena sits down with special guest Lori Fox, writer and journalist in the Yukon, for a one-on-one discussion!

 

Register Now: QueerTech’s 'Qareer' Fair

QueerTech's Qareers Virtual Fair connects the skills of the queer community with employers who believe diversity is their greatest asset. Looking for your next tech position? Get started TODAY with the QueerTech Qareers Virtual Fair. 

Taking place April 8, 2021 from 1 PM to 5 PM EST as QueerTech connects you with Canada’s top tech employers. Let’s queer the tech ecosystem together!

 
 
 
 

Catch Up Our Latest 'Access to Justice' Episode

Are you a working legal professional? Catch up on our second last episode of 'How Legal Professionals can Promote Access to Justice for LGBTQI2S People', as our panelists discuss The Futures of Queer and Trans Law(s)! Our final episode airs this Thursday, April 1 at 1 PM EST / 10 AM PST!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Egale Canada Human Rights Trust
120 Carlton Street, Suite 217  | Toronto, Ontario M5A 4K2
416-964-7887 | donate@egale.ca

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Egale works to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQI people in Canada and to enhance the global response to 2SLGBTQI issues. Egale achieves this by informing public policy, inspiring cultural change, and promoting human rights and inclusion through research, education and community engagement. 

Our vision is a Canada, and ultimately a world, without homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and all other forms of oppression so that every person can achieve their full potential, free from hatred and bias. 

 

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