Help add “gender identity” and “gender expression” into the Ontario Human Rights Code!
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On Tuesday, February 21, 2012, NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo tabled Toby’s Act for the fourth time — a private member’s bill that seeks to add “gender identity” and “gender expression” as protected statuses in the Ontario Human Rights Code. Co-sponsored by Liberal MPP Yasir Naqvi and Progressive Conservative MPP Christine Elliot, Toby’s Act, if passed, would offer far greater protections for people in Ontario who are not cissexual, cisgendered, or normatively sexed or gendered.
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When we last left off with Toby’s Act, then Attorney General Chris Bentley shot down the Bill, claiming that protections were already offered under current Human Rights Code and that no further amendments to the Code were necessary. Queer Ontario understands that this isn’t the case, given that many transsexual, transgender, and otherly-gendered persons are still the targets of service, employment, and housing discrimination.
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What Can You Do To Help?
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We are calling on queer and trans communities across Ontario to support Toby’s Act and to let Premier McGuinty, Andrea Horwath (Leader, ONDP), Tim Hudak (Leader, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario) and their parties know that we support the inclusion of “gender identity” and “gender expression” in the Human Rights Code. Here’s a few simple ways you can do that:
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1.  Sign our Petition

Let Premier McGuinty, Andrea Horwath (Leader, ONDP), Tim Hudak (Leader, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario) and their parties know that you support the inclusion of “gender identity” and “gender expression” in the Ontario Human Rights Code. For every person that signs the petition, an e-mail will be sent to all the parties listed above letting them know that you support Toby’s Act. So sign now!
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2.  Call your MPP and let them know you support Toby’s Act

A list of current MPPs with their contact information can be found here. If you are unsure of who your MPP is, then you can use this handy tool to find your Riding, which can then be found on the contacts link.
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3.  Join us at the Ontario Legislative Building on Thursday, May 10th.

The bill is set to be discussed at around 2:00 pm. The more people we can get into the galleries to show support, the better!
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Together we can make this fourth attempt a success, and to finally have gender identity and gender expression recognized in the Ontario Human Rights Code. We extend our thanks to the Trans Lobby Group, and to MPP Cheri DiNovo, for their vigilence and persistence.

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Hi Everyone,
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This is to report that Queer Ontario had a highly successful presence at the 2nd Annual LGBTQ Volunteer Fair put on by the 519 Church Street Community Centre.
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Earlier this afternoon Research and Education Committee Chairperson, Alana Boltwood, and I staffed the Queer Ontario table which elicited the signing up of 56 new volunteers!  There was an exciting mix of ages, races, ethnicities, interests and skill sets matching the vibrancy felt in the room and at the event itself.  In addition to Toronto numerous were from other geographical areas including North York, Markham, Brampton, Oshawa, Ottawa, Ajax, New Lowell and Thunder Bay.
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This is the 2nd year Queer Ontario has taken part and received such a great response.  Special thanks are extended to Queer Ontario Secretary, Martin Otarola, for setting us up with the needed material resources and Alana for joining me for the full event in representing Queer Ontario to potential volunteers.
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We will soon be following up with each of these volunteers to see how best we can involve them in the important work of Queer Ontario.
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Cheers,

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Nick Mulé
Chairperson,
Queer Ontario
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Queer Ontario is pleased to announce its participation in the 519 Community Centre’s second annual LGBTQ Volunteer Fair this Sunday, April 15, 2012. There, Queer Ontario members will be on-hand to speak to you about who we are, what we do, and where we’re headed. So if you’re interested in meeting some of these members or are interested in getting involved with us, then make your way down and say hello!

The event will run from 12:00 noon to 4:00pm in The 519 Auditorium. For more information, please visit the 519 Community Centre website, or the 519’s Volunteer Fair’s Facebook page.
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