(Quebec) The creation of a scientific committee which will look at gender identity in order to guide the actions of the government, schools and decision-makers in general surprises the LGBTQ+ community. A guide which specifically addresses the question of the integration of trans and non-binary young people in the school network was published in 2021 by the Ministry of Education, recalls the Quebec LGBT Council.
In interview with The Pressits general director, James Galantino, wonders why the Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville, promises to bring together “wise men” on these questions, “when the work has already been done”.
“All this work has been done. It was a great job that the government did in collaboration with (other ministries) and scientific experts,” he says.
In June 2021, during the first mandate of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) in government, a guide for schools with the title “For better consideration of sexual and gender diversity” was sent to the school network.
The Ministry of Education explains that its guide, which is based, among other things, on the work carried out by the National Table to Combat Homophobia and Transphobia in Education Networks, is “primarily intended for managers of the school network “. It specifies “the orientations of the Ministry of Education with regard to taking into account sexual and gender diversity in schools”.
In the “educational practices and administrative measures” section, Quebec gives examples that it considers “appropriate”, notably:
- “Adapt the dress code to extract gender markers;
- Allow the trans or non-binary person to wear clothing that they consider consistent with the expression of their gender identity, (and)
- Provide neutral places of privacy allowing the free choice of students and staff.”
On Tuesday, Minister Drainville banned schools from converting toilet blocks into mixed toilets. He also indicated that management could designate individual, closed toilets for use by all users, regardless of their gender identity.
Rights provided by law
While New Brunswick recently imposed the obligation on students under 16 to have their parents’ consent in order to change their first or last name at school, the legal framework in Quebec is different on this subject. .
The guide sent by the Ministry of Education recalls that articles from the Law aimed at strengthening the fight against transphobia and improving in particular the situation of transgender minors stipulate that “a request to change the name of a minor child can be made by his guardian or by the minor himself if he is aged 14 and over. »
“Under the changes made to the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, the educational establishment must use the usual first name and pronoun chosen by the trans or non-binary student as well as respect the gender identity with which the student self-identifies. (…) Furthermore, the intentional or persistent refusal to respect the gender identity or expression of the trans or non-binary student may be considered a form of harassment or discrimination likely to result in legal consequences,” recalls the ministry.
The guide also contains a glossary which explains different concepts such as gender expression, gender identity or sexual orientations, for example.
“It should be noted that sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression can, depending on the person, be experienced in a nuanced way and even fluctuate over time,” we recall.
A political debate
In this context, Mr. Galantino of the Quebec LGBT Council cannot explain why the government wishes to obtain new insights from experts. He adds that Quebec also has the expertise gathered at the Office to Combat Homophobia and Transphobia, under the responsibility of Minister Martine Biron.
Since the debate on gender identity gained momentum earlier this week, the organization says it has noted an increase in concern among LGBTQ communities. Mr. Galantino also cannot explain the exit of the leader of the Parti Québécois, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, who associated issues linked to gender identity with the “radical left”.
“The fear is that it slides towards the idea that we could withdraw rights (…). It sows fear and panic. I’m trying to see how we can appease the communities in this because it worries a lot and we don’t want it to get out of hand,” he says.
By announcing the creation of a committee of wise men by Christmas, Bernard Drainville affirmed on Wednesday that their work should serve to provide a “peaceful view” on all these questions.
