International Transgender Day of Visibility is observed on March 31 to honor trans people and their contributions to society as well as increase awareness of the prejudice that transgender people face widespread.
Researchers from UBC share their perspectives below.
What college resources would you like to highlight?
The Equity & Inclusion Office provides resources like the Positive Space: Underpinnings program and the gender diversity information gateway to members of the UBC group who wish to increase their understanding of gender diversity. The Queer Staff and Faculty Collective offers a space for UBC faculty and staff who identify as members of 2SLGBTQIA + communities to come together, make connections, and build community, as well as information for trans and non-binary students and employees about what they can expect while attending UBC and navigating its systems.
Dr. Arig al Shaibah ( she/her )
Associate Vice- President, Equity &, Inclusion, UBC Equity &, Inclusion Office
Tel: (604 ) 822- 5454
Interview language ( s ): English &, Arabic
*unavailable March 28, 9 a. m.– 1 p. m.
How are transgender living statistics and information misused and used?
Statistics about transgender areas have been widely circulated, from projections of the size of transgender groups to images like” the life expectancy of a transgender woman of color is 35 years old. But, more attention needs to be paid to the sources of for, from both an honest and scientific point, in order to overcome the stigma against trans people propped up by bite- size pieces of misinformation”.
Dr. Avery Rose Everhart ( she/her )
Assistant Professor, Department of Geography
Message: harrison. [email protected]
Interview language ( s ): English
*unavailable March 28, 12- 3 p. m.
How can students benefit from diverse SOGI academic initiatives like pull workshops?
” Inclusive SOGI education programs are altering life and enhancing safety and welcoming for everyone,” according to SOGI. They are crucial in enhancing individuals ‘ understanding of identity and fostering a culture of respect and equality. SOGI education programs, like carry workshops, provide a safe and affirming area for investigation and self- expression by bringing imagination, play and creativity into the classroom. By actively embracing and celebrating diverse identities, these programs inspire, empower and foster a sense of belonging for 2SLGBTQ+ students”.
Daniel Gallardo ( they/them )
Doctoral student and SOGI UBC Program Facilitator, Sexual Orientation &, Gender Identity Inclusive Education, Faculty of Education
Email: daniel. [email protected]
Interview language ( s ): English, Portuguese, Spanish
What’s the difference between trans* and queer and gay/lesbian (visibility ), and why does it matter?
” Some transgender folks identify with the’ LGBTQ2S+ ‘ movement, but many do not. There are various traditions of transgender experience from India to Brazil to Tonga to Indigenous B.C. What often ties us together—across gay, trans, lesbian, and queer experiences and beyond—is that we have lived under the general violence of homophobia and transphobia in our families and societies. Thus, various forms of coalition-building among LGBTQ2S+ movements occasionally make the most sense in order to meet shared practical and strategic needs.
Dr. David Gramling ( they+ )
Professor, Department of Central, Eastern, and Northern European Studies
Email: David. [email protected]
Interview language ( s ): English
How can transgender educators and educators have a welcoming environment in classrooms and other learning environments?
” The things that trans people need to feel welcome at school are not that different from everyone else’s.” Trans people need to be able to participate in all activities without being hostile and be cared for at school. Public schools are supposed to provide for the entire population, after all. Create learning environments that are less focused on controlling who children are allowed to be and instead concentrate on what they need to learn alongside their peers.
Dr. Harper Benjamin Keenan ( he/him )
Robert Quartermain Assistant Professor, Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy, and Professor of Gender and Sexuality, Robert Quartermain
Tel: Contact Alex Walls at 604- 822- 4636 to arrange interviews
Email: Email Alex Walls at alex. [email protected] to arrange interviews
Interview language ( s ): English
*Available for radio and print interviews on March 28 before 12 p.m. and on March 29 and April 1 and beyond.
What trans stories are n’t being told?
” Transcendental joy is not recognized or celebrated in Canada or elsewhere, but we need more stories about joyful trans lives.” Research has demonstrated that our media, which is rife with transgender stories with a history of controversy, is significantly affecting the mental health of young gendered people. In the face of such hostility, young people need to encounter genuine stories about joyful, fully realized trans lives which allow them to imagine and create their own joyful—and joy- filled—futures”.
Dr. Mary Ann Saunders ( she/her )
Lecturer, School of Journalism, Writing, and Media
Email: [email protected]
Interview language: English
*unavailable March 28, 11 a. m.– 2 p. m., March 29 &, 31, 9.30 a. m.– 12.30 p. m.
What function does visibility serve for trans people?
” Visibility for trans people is a double-edged sword,” says one person. It occasionally serves as a useful political tactic for fostering community, raising awareness of particular issues, and organizing protest strategies. However, visibility can also lead to vulnerability, particularly when trans people are forced into the spotlight through hostile discourse in media or discriminatory legislation. This trans-aggressional visibility can lead to violence and undermine trans people’s authority over our own stories, leading to falsehood and misleading information that ultimately harm us.
Dr. J. Logan Smilges ( they/them )
Assistant Professor, Department of English Language &, Literatures
Email: logan. [email protected]
Interview language: English
*unavailable March 28, 3- 7 p. m.
