How transphobic, anti-gender diversity rhetoric affects 2SLGBTQIA+ kids

As protests pushing transphobic and anti-gender diverse messaging took to the streets across Canada Wednesday, experts are pointing out this rhetoric isn’t actually preventing harm to children.

According to a report from the B.C. Representative for Children and Youth, issued this past June, exposure to this kind of narrative and misinformation “can have a direct impact on the mental health of 2STNBGD (Two Spirit, transgender, non-binary and other gender diverse) children and youth.”

Harmful rhetoric also includes stigma-related stressors, such as discrimination, lack of acceptance, and victimization, the Representative for Children and Youth document explains, adding there’s been a “surge” in this kind of messaging both in the U.S. and Canada.

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“According to the American Human Rights Campaign and the Center for Countering Digital Hate, hateful social media campaigns – many of which focus specifically on children and youth – have soared by more than 400 per cent since the passage of Florida’s so-called ‘Don’t Say Gay or Trans’ bill in spring 2022. As these campaigns have received increasing publicity, they have gained widespread traction, including in B.C.,” the report explains.

The document goes on to say that “addressing a child’s mental health concerns in isolation from their gender exploration or without addressing the stress of prejudice may be unsuccessful.”

A B.C. woman whose kids are both trans echoed many of these findings, saying she herself has also researched and written professionally on supporting trans and gender-diverse youth.

The mother, who CityNews has agreed not to identify over concerns of harassment, says evidence shows that transphobia and sharing beliefs around anti-gender diversity does real harm to children and youth.

Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies took to Downtown Vancouver as part of counter protests on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, against anti-SOGI demonstrators. (CityNews Image)

She slammed the actions of demonstrators Wednesday, saying their claims against Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI 123) resources in schools have no place in her community.

She joined one of the many counter protests in Metro Vancouver, to stand with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community against demonstrations held by members of the “1MillionMarch4Children” group.

“Which kids are you doing this for? Because we live in a society where everybody should be included and supported for who they are. It’s not just about picking and choosing the children that you want to support,” the mother said, directing her comments at protesters who rallied against SOGI 123.

While the woman says it’s frightening anti-trans and anti-SOGI protests are taking place, she’s not hiding the fact that they’re happening from her kids.

However, she’s careful about how much she tells them, noting they need to know but not be overwhelmed.

“They have to know that this is out there and how to protect themselves, and they’re angry too,” she told CityNews. “My eldest kid, who’s eight, wanted to be at the counter-protest and wanted to be a part of this. When they talk to people, they tell them, ‘That’s the old way. That’s the old way. We don’t live like that anymore.'”

‘Queer and trans youth deserve protection’

SOGI supporters, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and allies got support from many Wednesday, with B.C. Premier David Eby, B.C. Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender, and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim among those condemning the anti-gender diversity protests.

Organizations that support 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying peoples have also taken the opportunity to share information to protect and support members of the community.

QMUNITY, which offers services and programs to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Metro Vancouver, says it’s seen a surge in people seeking mental health resources, along with safer spaces and support.

“Queer youth in particular are facing disproportionate harm and heightened risks of suicidality, rejection, and discrimination in an educational system that threatens their safety and security inside schools, as well as in their homes,” the organization wrote in a social media post.

In response, QMUNITY says it’s programs are “increasing efforts to offer drop-in spaces, peer-to-peer support, and services to anyone in need of support and connection.”

“Trans and gender-diverse people have always existed, and deserve care, support, and safe spaces to exist free from discrimination and harm,” QMUNITY’s post reads.

“Queer and trans youth deserve protection. They deserve safe spaces to be seen, celebrated, and supported in the face of homophobic and transphobic rhetoric and violence. Schools are a place for all youth to be cared for with dignity, care, and opportunities to explore, express, and celebrate their own unique and intersectional identities.”