On October 14th, I had the pleasure of attending the launch of The 519’s Education and Training Department’s newest initiative, “Creating Authentic Spaces: A Gender Identity and Gender Expression Toolkit.”
This updated toolkit replaces the previous Trans Inclusion Policy and Procedure Toolkit.
Toolkit author, Jack Hixson-Vulpe (pictured above) spent a great deal of time, and much hard work, to produce what will be the best manual for businesses and organizations on implementing the proper procedures for inclusion of transgender and gender non-conforming employees and clients under the current guidelines from the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
The rights afforded to transgender and gender non-conforming Ontarians are due to the tireless efforts of one of our strongest allies, NDP MPP Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo (Parkdale-High Park), who was determined that nothing would prevent the passage of Bill 33, known as Toby’s Law in 2012. Prior to this, transgender residents had no protections or rights under the law.
This toolkit, along with many infographics within, will provide clear direction to all on how to be inclusive of transgender and gender non-conforming people, with references to appropriate law under the OHRC.
A great number of people and organizations were involved in the process, and many consultations were held with members of the transgender communities in Toronto.
The most noticeable thing about the new toolkit, as mentioned by speakers at the launch event, is that this is a document about transgender people, created and written by transgender people, and was remarked upon that the cisgender people involved were willing to stand back and let us direct the creation efforts as we best saw fit.
The acknowledgments page lists the names of the transgender people and organizations who had a part in directing and providing feedback during the process of creating the toolkit for the current times. (Note: I was part of the team and played a small role providing input and editorial guidance.) Unlike other documents and guides currently available, which can be very dry and loaded with legalese and academic language, this document provides a simple, easy-to-follow plan with milestones, which is easily implemented in any organization.
Congratulations to Jack and his team on producing a living document that will create change and make a big difference for those companies and organizations who implement this new toolkit, and follow the guidelines within it. This is most definitely a game-changer!
You can download a free copy here.
And while some of the information is specific to Ontario and our current laws, the document itself will be of use to all who choose to follow the guidelines on how to create authentic spaces for our transgender and gender non-conforming family.
