RNAO marks Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31)
On Transgender Day of Visibility, RNAO recognizes and celebrates people who are transgender, non-binary, Two-Spirit and/or gender diverse. Nurses in all areas of health care continue to provide and advocate for care that is respectful, inclusive and free of barriers so that every person feels safe, welcome and understood when seeking health services.
RNAO reaffirms its ongoing commitment to advance equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the nursing profession, the health system, schools, and the broader community. The association remains committed to working alongside health partners, elected leaders and people with lived experience to support safe spaces for 2SLGBTQI+ community members (visit the 2SLGBTQI+ and RNAO In Focus web page for more details).
This year, nurses marched in Toronto, Ottawa, Windsor, London, Stratford and Milton Pride events. Through this and other local work in communities across Ontario, RNAO members continue to advocate against discrimination and social exclusion based on gender identity and expression.
RNAO is also expressing its commitment to EDI within its own physical environment. At its Home Office, the association is establishing dedicated collaborative spaces that celebrate and honour diverse communities and leaders who have advanced justice and inclusion in nursing and health care, including one on 2SLGBTQI+ health and inclusion. This is a place for dialogue, learning and connection that reflects RNAO’s ongoing commitment to respect, visibility and belonging.
RNAO also continues to speak out when laws or policies threaten inclusive and evidence-informed care. In a recent opinion article in The Hill Times (Jan. 21), RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun warned about the impact of far-right ideologies on health care, noting that Alberta’s Bill 9 shields restrictions on gender-affirming care for youth under 16, polices pronouns and gender identity in schools, and bans transgender girls from amateur female sports. “These are not political preferences – they are the bedrock of safe, ethical care,” she wrote.
RNAO’s best practice guideline Promoting 2SLGBTQI+ Health Equity has recommendations for nurses and other health professionals to ensure that trans and other equity-deserving populations consistently receive appropriate, inclusive care. It aims to redress the fact that trans people can struggle to access adequate and appropriate health care, including routine services unrelated to trans status.
We encourage RNAO members to join RNAO’s Rainbow Nursing Interest Group (RNIG). RNIG advocates for nursing practice and environments that support all people who identify as gender or sexually diverse.
If you are transgender or gender-questioning, know that RNAO celebrates you and will always stand with you.
