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This just in:
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Susan Gapka of the Trans Lobby Group has just informed us that NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo will re-introduce Toby’s Act to include ‘gender identity’ and ‘gender expression’ as prohibited grounds for discrimination in the Ontario Human Rights Code. This will happen on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at approximately 3:00 pm.
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We encourage all available members to visit the public gallery at Queen’s Park to join the Trans Lobby Group and show their support for the Bill.
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Stay connected for further details on how you can support these efforts to have gender identity and gender expression written into the Ontario Human Rights Code.
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With thanks,
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The Queer Ontario Steering Committee
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We are excited to announce the launch of the Queer Ontario Pressing Issues Survey, one of the many new projects we will be rolling out in the next couple of months to reach out to LGBTQ* individuals across Ontario, and to expand our work beyond Toronto.
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The survey has been created so LGBTQ people across the province can provide us with a list of the issues they feel are most important to them as LGBTQ persons, which we will then use to develop projects and initiatives that are relevant to a greater number of LGBTQ people province-wide. As such, your participation will be greatly appreciated and will be invaluable to our work and direction as an organization.
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About the Survey
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The survey itself consists of five questions, which should take approximately 3-10 minutes to answer. We have both an online version and a Word (.doc) version available for you to use.
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Indeed, this research and re-focusing will take place while we continue our work on our two core issues: the fight for ‘gender identity’ and ‘gender expression’ in the Ontario Human Rights Code, and the creation of safer spaces for LGBTQ youth across Ontario.
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If you have any questions about any of the above, do not hesitate to contact us at info@queerontario.org — we will be more than happy to answer them!
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Looking forward to serving you better,
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The Queer Ontario Steering Committee
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PO Box 822, Station A
Toronto,Ontario M5W 1G3
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Website: www.queerontario.org
Email: info@queerontario.org
Facebook: Queer Ontario
Twitter: @queerontario

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* Note:  For the purposes of this survey, ‘LGBTQ’ will refer to individuals who are marginalized because of their sex, gender, and/or sexuality. This includes, but is not limited to: individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transsexual, transgender, genderqueer, agender, two-spirited, cross-dressing, intersexed, neutrois, asexual, pansexual, polyamorous, kinky, and/or nudist. This survey is also open to allies who can assist us in our work.
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We know that forms of oppression based on sex, gender, and/or sexuality cannot be seen in isolation from other forms of oppression, so we encourage their joint articulation as well.
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Queer Ontario Awards 2011 John Damien Award to Queer Youth in

Catholic School System

Award recipients reiterate importance of naming GSAs

TORONTO:  On Sunday, December 4, 2011 during the Queer Ontario hosted 25th Anniversary celebrations of Sexual Orientation’s Inclusion in the Ontario Human Rights Code, the host group presented the 2011 John Damien Award to St. Joseph’s GSA and Catholic Students for GSAs.  The recognition was cited for the courageous work of these youth advocating for the right to form and participate in GSAs in the Catholic School System.

During the acceptance speech, the youth reiterated the importance of having the agency to name the group as they choose, using the term ‘gay’ without shame, regardless of being in a Catholic school system.

Queer Ontario revived the award which had been established by its predecessor, the Coalition for Gay Rights in Ontario (CGRO) which went on to become the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario (CLGRO).  Awarded 13 times between 1979 and 2004, the award recognizes individuals, groups or organizations that promote liberation for gender and sexually diverse people.  The award’s namesake is that of the late John Damien, who had been fired in the mid ‘70s from his job as a racing steward for being a ‘homosexual’.  The high profile case played a major role over a ten plus year campaign to have the Ontario Human Rights Code amended to include ‘sexual orientation’ as a ground for protection from discrimination, which was passed on December 2, 1986.

The celebration at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre included reminiscences, vigilance (ongoing campaign to have trans people recognized in human rights legislation), history and ongoing struggle for social rights beyond legal rights.