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Posts Tagged ‘sex’

Call-out for individuals who take issue with the exclusive “Male” and “Female” boxes on government documents

April 17th, 2013 Comments off

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We have just been contacted by Patricia Hluchy, Team Editor of the Features Unit at the Toronto Star, who is overseeing a story on individuals who are taking up non-binary identities and existences. According to Patricia:
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“The people were are hoping to interview are those who, whether conventionally sexed or intersex, do not feel comfortable — for whatever reason — with being streamlined into the sex categories of ‘Male’ or ‘Female’. The article will be about the limits of these sex-based categories, but also the fact that some people are opting out of either.”
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“The premise / approach of the article (to be shaped by interviews with some leading gender theoreticians / academics) will be: We have this binary sex = gender belief system, but many experts say it’s a social construct and that gender identity is way more complicated. And now, as our society continues to evolve into a less sex-determinist one (thanks in part to gay activism and the decline of homophobia), some pioneers — both academic and ‘on the street’ — are saying, ‘Enough of the gender straightjackets already'”
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“The article will also include the fact that a few countries allow individuals to check a category other than ‘Male’ or ‘Female’ on their passports; and we will try to interview Tony Briffa, a city counsellor and former mayor in Australia who is intersex and genderless.”
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“It would be great if — just for the authenticity factor — someone were willing to be photographed and to use their name. But that is not essential.”

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Indeed, I have chatted at length with P
atricia and can attest that they are highly knowledgeable about the nuances of ‘sex’ vis-a-vis ‘gender’, and in particular the real-life implications of defining ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ in binarist terms.
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If you are interested in being interviewed for this article, please contact Patricia at phluchy@thestar.ca or at 416-869-4352. Feel free to indicate if you prefer to be interviewed in writing as opposed to verbally / live.
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Towards greater visibility and awareness,
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Martin Otarola
Queer Ontario Secretary

Queer Ontario’s Position Statement on Sexual Violations

January 21st, 2013 Comments off

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As of January 13, 2013
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P
rinciples
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Queer Ontario’s values include the recognition and affirmation of gender and sexual diversity. We support everyone’s freedom to have feelings, including love for, desire for and fantasy about anyone or anything.  We support sexual activity where everyone involved gives informed consent.  We hope for a sex-positive society in which anyone can enjoy sexual pleasures and thrills, including masturbation, pornography, casual sex, kink, and other partner-sex, without worry or endangerment. Read more…

Breaking! ServiceOntario Announces New Criteria for Change of Sex Designation on Ontario Birth Registration

October 5th, 2012 Comments off

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The following letter by Sandra Leonetti (Deputy Registrar General, Office of the Registrar General) was forwarded to us by Alexandra Schmidt (Senior Policy Advisor, Policy & Regulatory Services Branch, ServiceOntario), as a stakeholder in the consultations around the Change of Sex Designation Criteria on an Ontario Birth Certificate. French and English PDF versions of the letter can be downloaded after the text.
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October 5, 2012
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I am writing to inform you of changes to requirements to change sex designation on an Ontario birth registration.
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The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario ordered the Government to cease requiring transgendered persons to have “transsexual surgery” in order to obtain a change in sex designation on their registration of birth. In accordance with the Tribunal’s order, the criteria for changing sex designation on a birth registration have been revised and there is no longer a requirement for “transsexual surgery”.
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The new criteria requires that a person wishing to change their sex designation on their Ontario birth registration complete a statutory declaration that they have assumed (or have always had) the gender identity that accords with the change in sex designation, they are living full-time in that gender identity and they intend to maintain that gender identity. The person must also provide a letter from a practising physician or psychologist (including a psychological associate) authorized to practise in Canada who can support the requested change. Alternative evidence to this letter in certain circumstances may be acceptable and is detailed on the application form.
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At this time, an applicant for a change in sex designation on a birth registration must be at least 18 years of age.
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The revised criteria and forms are posted on the Ministry’s website at www.ServiceOntario.ca. We would appreciate if you would make this information available to members of your organization and any clients who may be impacted by the revised criteria.
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Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.
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Sincerely,
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Original signed
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Sandra Leonetti

Deputy Registrar General, Office of the Registrar General
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A PDF version of this letter can be downloaded here: English Registrar General Letter Re New Change of Sex Designation Criteria in Ontario

A French version can be downloaded here: French Registrar General Letter Re New Change of Sex Designation Criteria in Ontario
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