This minisode is about Toby’s Law, which gave the right to be free from discrimination or harassment because of gender identity and gender expression. This law started with changes made to the Ontario Human Rights Code, but also spurred the federal government later to bring changes to the Canadian Human Rights Code, as well as the Criminal Code regarding hate crimes. We’ll discover how this law came about, why it is so important, and more importantly, we’ll learn about the life of Toby Dancer, for whom the Act was named.
RESOURCES
“TOBY’S LAW” MARKS BREAK-THROUGH FOR HUMAN RIGHTS (Ontario Federation of Labour)
Affirming and Inclusive Language (Egale)
Ontario Human Rights Code amended to protect transgendered people (Toronto Star)
An Act to amend the Human Rights Code with respect to gender identity and gender expression (Ontario Government)
Ontario Human Rights Code and Gender Identity/Gender Expression (Ontario Women’s Justice Network)
Policy on preventing discrimination because of gender identity and gender expression (Ontario Human Rights Commission)
Transgender community wants more human rights protection (Global News)
Canada: Senate Passes Landmark Transgender Rights Bill (Library of Congress, US)
Toby Dancer (1953 – 2004) musician (A Gender Variance Who’s Who; Blog)
Interview with Toby Dancer (Audio; University of British Columbia)
Be an Ally – Support Trans Equality (Human Rights Campaign)
Support Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Queer (LGBTQ+) Charities (CanadaHelps.org)