RNAO marks Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31)

On Transgender Day of Visibility, RNAO celebrated the contributions and achievements of individuals who identify as transgender, non-binary, Two-Spirit and/or gender diverse. Nurses will continue to advocate for safe, barrier-free and gender-affirming care that is free from discrimination across all health sectors and settings.

In its commitment to promote equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the nursing profession and health system, RNAO works alongside health partners, elected officials and individuals with lived experience to create and foster safe spaces for 2SLGBTQI+ community members. The Promoting 2SLGBTQI+ Health Equity best practice guideline provides recommendations for nurses and other health professionals to implement in their practice to ensure that trans and other equity-deserving populations consistently receive appropriate, inclusive care.

RNAO has publicly stated that we are deeply concerned about proposed restrictions to transgender care in Alberta – restrictions supported by the federal Conservative leader – and about moves in other provinces to restrict the use of preferred pronouns and names in publicly-funded schools. We’ve asked our members and the general public to sign our Action Alert and tell politicians that this stigma-laden rhetoric – founded in ideology, not based on evidence – is unacceptable. In Canada, our core human rights protections and shared values of acceptance should allow everyone to feel safe to be their authentic self, wherever they live.

RNAO is inspired by the condemnation by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other federal party leaders of these positions and actions. RNAO is also relieved by Ontario health minister Sylvia Jones’s pledge to retain Ontario’s current guidelines for treatment and care for transgender youth.

In this spirit, RNAO’s Rainbow Nursing Interest Group (RNIG) advocates for nursing practice and environments that support all people who identify as gender or sexually diverse. Visit 2SLGBTQI+ and RNAO In Focus to learn more about how RNAO is working with health organizations and communities across Ontario to advocate for the rights of transgender, non-binary, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse persons. And if you are transgender, know that nurses stand with you – today, and every day.