Manitoba raises transgender flag to honour victims of hate
Manitoba remains a peaceful, tolerant and welcoming place
CBC News Posted: Nov 20, 2015 10:55 AM CT Last Updated: Nov 20, 2015 11:07 AM CT
Manitoba raised a flag in Memorial Park on Friday in recognition Transgender Day of Remembrance and to show the world the province is "a peaceful, tolerant and welcoming place."
The transgender flag is flying in Memorial Park, across from the Manitoba legislative building. (Jeff Stapleton/CBC)
"We will continue to stand up for the rights of transgender individuals and celebrate the unique diversity of all Manitobans that make the province a modern, forward-thinking place to live," Health Minister Sharon Blady said at the event.
Transgender Day of Remembrance honours those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia and to bring attention to the continued violence endured by the transgender community. It has been held every Nov. 20 since 1999.
According to a website dedicated the the day of remembrance, 79 transgender individuals were murdered worldwide in 2015.
"Recognizing this day once again shows the world that Manitoba remains a peaceful, tolerant and welcoming place," Blady said.
Last January, the province adjusted the process to change gender on birth registrations and certificates by removing the requirement for proof of gender transition surgery.
This past June, the province announced changes that will improve access to services for transgender Manitobans by expanding the number of recognized practitioners able to conduct patient assessments for gender dysphoria, increasing funding for the Transgender Health Program at Klinic Community Health Centre and introducing coverage for chest masculinization surgeries.
In 2012, the provincial government amended Manitoba's human right's code to specifically prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, further protecting transgender Manitobans, Blady added.
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