70% of trans youth report experiencing some form of sexual harassment or violence

Source

It can take years for a transgender person to begin their true life. Due to the rising tide of hate, violence, and transphobia, trans people are facing the threat of their lives being made even shorter.

In our latest campaign, Short Life Stories, we follow a young woman as she embraces the beginning of her new life as openly trans and navigates the challenges that ensue. Our mission is to educate men and boys on the intersection of gender-based violence and transphobia, and how healthy masculinities can be a powerful form of allyship.

164%

more hate crimes targeting sexual orientation have been reported to the police from 2018 to 2022. The numbers continue to rise every year.*

Source
*There is a massive gap in the research on hate crimes against trans people in Canada. 

15%

of total hate crimes reported in Canada were anti-2SLGBTQI+ related, making them the second largest group of reported crimes in 2021.

52%

of 2SLGBTQI+ youth between the ages of 11—22 say they’ve been targeted by cyberbullies.

Join our mission to create a safer world for everyone

72% of Canadians are deeply concerned for the well-being and safety of the transgender people they know.

To advocate for meaningful allyship, White Ribbon is proud to partner with Egale, Canada’s leading organization for 2SLGBTQI+ people and issues.  

We all deserve a full life

We take for granted the little things that make our lives full — getting your favourite takeout, showing your talents on social media, escaping to the washroom, having your parents buy you something you love, having a loyal group of friends, or just conversing with dad. 

2SLGBTQI+ people face constant discrimination and harassment during their daily lives, sometimes from within their own families, making it harder to enjoy the little things that make life fulfilling.

Help us end the rise of hate, violence, and transphobia. 

Gender Identity and Pronouns

Using a person’s correct pronouns lets them know you respect and accept their identity. Here are a few ways to approach using personal gender pronouns:  

Start by sharing your own pronouns:
e.g., My pronouns are he/him. 

Use gender-neutral pronouns (they, them, theirs) to refer to someone whose gender you’re not aware of yet, or simply refer to them by their name. 

It’s hard to get into a new habit. If you accidentally use the wrong pronoun, simply correct yourself and commit to getting it right next time. 

Finally, if you have trouble remembering someone’s pronouns, simply ask.

Being a parent to 2SLGBTQI+ children

Unconditional love is a choice parents can make. Here are a few ways to support a 2SLGBTQI+ child: 

Let them know they are loved and accepted. 

Check with your child before disclosing their identity. 

Welcome your child’s partner and 2SLGBTQI+ friends. 

Support your child’s gender expression by using their correct pronouns, name, and affirming they can dress and style themselves as they like. 

Advocate for your child in the face of stigmatization. 

Educate yourself on 2SLGBTQI+ issues. 

Believe your child can have a happy life as an 2SLGBTQI+ adult. 

The road to allyship

The following illustrates a progression in meaningful 2SLGBTQI+ allyship:

Confronting oppression
When I see cyberbullying, I express disapproval, talk to the bully offline, and support the targeted person.

Educating self
I intentionally follow influencers who represent positive and authentic perspectives.

Acting in allyship
I take action when I see harassment or other discriminatory behaviour towards 2SLGBTQI+ people online, at school, and in my community.

Challenging systems
I take extra steps or go out of my way to help create safer and accepting spaces for 2SLGBTQI+ people online, at school, and in my community.

Learn more about how you can be part of creating change and fostering allyship

Donate

Please donate to help us continue our mission of building a new vision of masculinity to end gender-based violence.

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