We believe that everyone in Ontario – no matter their gender identity, race or abilities – is deserving of acceptance and belonging.

Equity and inclusion promote fair conditions so that all people can take part in society[1]. Yet in recent weeks, the United States’ President issued an executive order terminating “DEI and ‘diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility’ (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the Federal Government, under whatever name they appear”, calling these initiatives ‘illegal’ and ‘immoral’[2].  The work of past administrations in the area of DEI has now been revoked—some that had been in effect for many years, protecting low-income and minority populations as well as non-discriminatory practices in hiring and employment[3]. An aggressive stance on migrants[4] raised negative myths and depictions of migrant and immigrant communities. These declarations will erode decades of progress.

It was also declared that the United States will now “recognize only two sexes, male and female, that are unchangeable”[5], and administration moved to quickly end a range of policies aimed at protecting the rights of trans, genderqueer, non-binary, Two Spirit, and intersex people.

Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres (OCRCC) is disturbed and greatly alarmed by these orders. They create a climate of exclusion, blame, hatred and transphobia. This will negatively affect trans, genderqueer, non-binary, Two Spirit, and intersex people, as well as communities of color and other marginalized groups. 

We know that a society that values and reinforces inequality between its members perpetuates violence against those that it marginalizes. Intolerant attitudes and myths shared by community and political leaders bolster negative sentiments toward trans and gender diverse communities, as well as Black, Indigenous and people of color communities. There are serious impacts for people in our communities that are portrayed as unimportant, unwelcome or invisible.

It is now more important than ever to defend the existence and rights of trans and gender diverse people. It is now more important than ever to push back against racist and white supremacist rhetoric.

 

Discrimination and violence results from marginalization

Social marginalization – when people are portrayed in a negative or unimportant light – has significant and harmful effects. Marginalization and exclusion lead to stigmatization, discrimination, inequity, as well as secrecy and concealment within social environments[6]. It can also lead to victimization. For example, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, particularly trans and gender diverse people, face more violence than others: in its Ontario-wide research, TransPulse found that 20% of trans people shared that they had been physically or sexually assaulted for being trans, and another 34% had been verbally threatened or harassed[7]. Violence also impacts Indigenous communities in serious ways—another example of the impacts of social marginalization. Degrading myths about Indigenous Peoples in Canada[8] contribute to harms and lost resources for Indigenous communities over many decades: today, Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be murdered or to go missing than members of any other demographic group in Canada—and 16 times more likely to be slain or to disappear than white women[9].

Violence becomes systemic when it is entrenched in systems like government, healthcare or services; and when little is done to hold people accountable for harmful behavior. Systemic violence is rooted in attitudes and beliefs—for example, homophobia, transphobia, racism and colonial ideals. The DEI and gender edicts, in the shape of executive orders, now entrench inequity and bias in government policy. 

 

This goes against our values and belief systems in Ontario and Canada

This goes against our values and belief systems in Ontario and Canada, in which everyone should feel safe to be who they are. Equity and gender inclusive practices communicate that every person deserves to be seen and heard no matter what their identity, and where each of us are accepted and valued just as we are. Every person also deserves to feel safe.

In a current climate of rising hate and misinformation, it’s crucial to stand up for inclusion, and against hateful attitudes. OCRCC stands in solidarity with trans, genderqueer, non-binary, Two Spirit, and intersex people in the face of exclusion, intolerance and hate. OCRCC also stands in solidarity with those that face marginalization because of their race, ethnicity, faith, immigration or disability status.

 

We call on Canadian leaders to reaffirm their commitment to all identities in our communities.

We put forward the following, and ask leaders and allies to do the same:

 

  • It is now more important than ever to defend the existence and rights of trans and gender diverse people.

 

  • Every person deserves to be safe, and to be accepted as they are.

 

  • The ongoing impact of colonialism has profoundly impacted the social, cultural, political, and economic position of Black, Indigenous and people of color people (BIPOC). People with leadership in Canada must create an environment free of discrimination and promote equitable opportunities, where BIPOC leadership and knowledge are seen, heard and valued, and BIPOC people are treated with respect.

 

Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres (OCRCC) is a network of community-based sexual assault centres in Ontario. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, get help here. At OCRCC, we believe that eradicating sexual violence means both creating equity in access to resources, and privilege and dismantling colonial and patriarchal influences and systems.

 

[1] Canada Council for the Arts. Glossary: equity

[2] Hsu, Andrea for NPR. January 23, 2025. Trump calls DEI programs ‘illegal’ and ‘immoral’. Here’s how he’s ending them.

[3] Ibid

[4] Milton, Jon, Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood and Stuart Trew for Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. January 22, 2025. What Trump’s Executive Orders mean for Canada: On migration, climate, and trade, Trump’s day-one policies are going to have major effects

[5] Reuters, Thomson for CBC. Jan 20, 2025. Trump White House declares a person’s gender can’t be changed

[6] Everett, B. (2015). Sexual orientation identity change and depressive symptoms: a longitudinal analysis. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 56(1), 37-58. doi:10.1177/0022146514568349

[7] Bauer, Greta & Scheim, Ayden. (2015). Transgender People in Ontario, Canada: Statistics from the Trans PULSE Project to Inform Human Rights Policy: 4. 

[8] Nonomura, Robert. (2020). Trafficking at the Intersections: Racism, Colonialism, Sexism, and Exploitation in Canada. Learning Network Brief (36). London, Ontario: Learning Network, Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children.

[9] National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Report released June 2019.