Good afternoon, Madam Chair and members of the committee.
My name is Pam Krause. I'm the president and CEO of the Centre for Sexuality.
The Centre for Sexuality is a nationally recognized prevention-focused organization that delivers evidence-based programs and services to normalize sexuality and improve sexual health. We have been leading the way in the areas of sexuality, healthy relationships, human rights, 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion and consent for 52 years in Calgary. We serve over 40,000 people in Alberta annually, thanks to our many partnerships with schools, community groups, health agencies and corporate partners.
Much of the centre's work is school-based. Since 1975, we've been providing comprehensive sexual health education in Calgary and area schools, and we also have supports for specific populations, including programs and services for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and communities. This includes supporting gay-straight alliances in schools and providing counselling support to 2SLGBTQ+ youth and their families. Also, annually, we host Camp fYrefly, a leadership camp for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, in partnership with the YMCA of Calgary.
An increasing number of discriminatory comments, policies, and legislation and bylaws are occurring across the country, particularly in relation to non-binary or transgender youth and adults. We have seen it at the national level in New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Alberta, and even in local municipalities. This is impacting the human rights and safety of a very vulnerable group of Canadians.
Hate crimes directed at the 2SLGBTQ+ community have dramatically increased, as confirmed by Statistics Canada. There are many factors, but undoubtedly the relentless targeted attacks on social media against the transgender community have led to increased hate crimes. Online platforms play a central role in this and have contributed to real-life violence.
One of the most important ways to combat the targeted attacks against 2SLGBTQ+ communities is to create safe spaces and create awareness through education. Schools play a pivotal role in this. There is proposed or passed legislation in several provinces that does not allow students to change their pronouns and names at school without parental consent; the reality is that school may be the only safe space for 2SLGBTQ+ youth who are struggling to come out and are concerned about family acceptance. Youth often have to take the time to be okay with themselves before they can come out to those they love.
In our work with thousands of youth, we know that most queer youth want to come out to their family. The first question we commonly get is, “How do I come out to my parents?” It isn't always safe, and knowing you have a community of support matters a lot. Provincial legislation that creates an environment where youth will not be able to have safe spaces in their schools will definitely lead to negative consequences.
The safety of school environments for 2SLGBTQ+ youth does not diminish the essential role of parents in the lives of their children. The role of the Centre for Sexuality is to provide support and education for parents to help them process what their child is going through, give them opportunities to connect with other parents in the same situation and find ways to provide support, even when they are confused and struggling. We also work with the youth, and this commonly leads to better outcomes for the entire family.
The federal action plan was a great step forward, but it's by no means a permanent solution. The focus on community action and on coordinating 2SLGBTQ+ issues across government departments are important steps, but these efforts need to be implemented and sustained to be successful.
The grassroots organizations, such as our centre, are working to address the root causes of violence targeted at the 2SLGBTQ+ community. However, we require resources to scale up our programming. Expanding the reach of community programming is an opportunity for the Government of Canada to create generational change and push back on the harmful narratives that persist. Long-term positive change can be accomplished only if government and community organizations work together and are committed to long-term sustained change.
Thank you for the opportunity to address you today.