Canada’s federal election has been dominated by one issue: tariffs.
But Grade 12 student Jiji Pulos urges voters to choose a better future for 2SLGBTQ+ members amid rising transphobic and anti-queer rhetoric.
“Our rights and future need to be protected now more than ever. It’s really scary as someone who’s queer and about to turn 18, not having rights secured,” the Windsor, Ont., teen said.
Pulos, 17, identifies as gender fluid and says they find the lack of conversation around 2SLGBTQ+ issues in the election “very concerning.”
“Right now in our time, this year especially, voting is more important than ever. It feels like erasure, just like it’s happened in history before.”
Worried about Canada “going backwards” and following in U.S. President Donald Trump’s footsteps, Pulos said they want political leaders to commit to party platforms safeguarding 2SLGBTQ+ rights.
The four major political parties have not yet released platforms, including how they’ll address 2SLGBTQ+ issues.
“That worries me, as I’d like to keep these issues in the minds of voters,” said Jessica Fraser, mother of a trans teen in Saskatoon.
“It’s just appalling. It makes me afraid for my son in particular. His future and how he will be treated in this country is at risk.”
Fraser said the family has been through a lot of provincial policies impacting trans youth in Saskatchewan recently: She cited the province’s pronoun policy, which requires students under 16 who want to change their names or pronouns in school to have parental consent, and a gendered change-room policy that restricts students to ones that align with their assigned sex at birth. Alberta has implemented similar policies.
She said her son still avoids bathrooms and change rooms at school, and worries “one party is not going to respect” 2SLGBTQ+ rights.
“I’d like to see the leaders reassure us that what’s happening in the U.S. isn’t going to happen here,” Fraser said.
Conservative Leader “Pierre Poilievre is trying to avoid talking about it because he knows that his base would like to see what’s happening in the U.S. happen here.”
Where do the parties stand right now?
The Conservative Party did not respond to CBC News requests for comment about their party’s policies and platform on 2SLGBTQ+ issues.
In an early January interview, Poilievre said he is only aware of two genders — male and female — and the government should leave questions of gender identity alone.
In the interview with CP24 news channel, Poilievre was asked about President Donald Trump signing an executive order declaring the U.S. will only recognize two sexes and that they are unchangeable.
Poilievre had said if the host had “any other [sexes] you want me to consider, you’re welcome to tell me right now.”
On same-sex marriage, Poilievre has previously said it’s “legal and it will remain legal when I am prime minister, full stop.” He has also said he would not support legislation to restrict abortion access.
The Liberal Party also did not return a request for comment on 2SLGBTQ+ issues in this election, but Liberal Leader Mark Carney commented while campaigning in Alberta last week.
“It’s fundamentally important that the federal government is a defender of those rights … and access to health care in Canada is not a business, it is a fundamental right and we’ll defend it for all Canadians without exemption,” he replied.
In an emailed statement, a New Democratic Party (NDP) spokesperson said the party is committed to providing “permanent, stable federal funding” for grassroots 2SLGBTQ+ organizations and charities.
“We also know that queer and trans people are disproportionately impacted by the family doctor shortage and the housing crisis …That’s why we’re fighting for a family doctor for every Canadian and real investments in affordable housing that meet the needs of diverse communities.”
The Green Party of Canada also did not respond to a request for comment but said online the party is committed to protecting gender-affirming health care and rights for 2SLGBTQ+ people.
Politicians play ‘critical role’ in advocating for health equity
Julie Simmons, an associate professor of political science at the University of Guelph, said different identity issues, including Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ rights, should be discussed on the campaign trail.
“Certain provinces are concerned about puberty blockers and also the whether or not parents are aware if students are changing their pronouns in classrooms,” she said, noting the issues haven’t gained traction at the federal level because of tariffs.
Simmons said the issues are making their way into the campaign “in very subtle ways,” through the rhetoric of some party leaders. She cited Poilievre’s past statements that too many young people can’t buy affordable homes before their “biological clocks” have run out.
“With Poilievre’s messaging, there is definitely a heteronormative streak and it’s very clear that that is deliberate,” Simmons said.
She said the Liberals have also been absent in messaging for 2SLGBTQ+ communities this election, beyond their historic stances supporting those rights.
“It would be important for leaders to clarify where they stand on issues supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community and in particular transgender rights because these are definitely under threat in the United States.”
Daniel Grace is an associate professor at Dalla Lana School of Public Health at University of Toronto and the Canada Research Chair in Sexual and Gender Minority Health.
Grace said the social, mental, physical and sexual health of community members across Canada is under threat.
“Threats to the human rights and health of 2SLGBTQ+ communities are growing and require political will,” he said. “Our political leaders play a critical role in addressing and advocating for health equity for 2SLGBTQ+ communities across Canada.”
An array of health equity concerns impact the everyday lives of people, he said, including the detrimental impacts of poverty and lack of access to equitable housing — and these issues, like the need for self-governing Indigenous health-care systems and regressive policies on gender-affirming care, need to be addressed.
Commitment to rainbow equality needed, advocate says
Derrick Carl Biso, director of education awareness at Trans Wellness Ontario, said they have been encouraging the community members and allies to vote.
“But we’re not getting a lot of conversation around gender equality or about 2SLGBTQ+ rights and freedoms in our country. We’re not talking about the ongoing and rising hate against 2SLGBTQ+ people,” they said. “I don’t think it’s being talked about as it needs to be by any party.”
Calling it “a priority,” they urged political parties to release their plans on employment, poverty reduction, health care and housing policies for 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
Over the weekend, Biso hosted a Drag the Vote event in support of the Rainbow Equality Campaign, a national initiative advocating for 2SLGBTQ+ rights and representation across Canada.
Biso said the Conservative Party, in particular, needs to address “hateful, extreme, inflammatory rhetoric,” likening it to bullying.
“There’s a lot of fear and concern. Many more [youth are] dealing with bullying. It’s quite disheartening, discouraging, disappointing and very dehumanizing,” they said.
Biso noted the federal action plan on equality and equity currently in place, and said they want a commitment to continue that plan.
Future of 2SLGBTQ+ groups in jeopardy: Vancouver non-profit
Alex Sangha worries his non-profit, one of few in Canada and the only one in Western Canada working to address intersectional issues between race and gender, will be impacted.
Sher Vancouver provides services to 2SLGBTQ+ South Asians and racialized people in Metro Vancouver.
“With the tariffs, we need some security from the various political parties that 2SLGBTQ+ organizations in the country will have sustainable multiple-year funding,” he said.
Sangha worries less money will be available to support queer organizations as the government responds to tariffs.
“If queer non-profits start to go bankrupt, it’s going to be affecting a very vulnerable and marginalized segment of the population.”
He urges 2SLGBTQ+ voters to ask their riding candidates questions about their plans for the community.
“Find who provides the best support and services for our community. What will you do to sustain our programs? What will you do to protect our human rights and our dignity as people in this country?”
