The Situation at The University of Toronto
There is a serious situation of transphobic violence and harassment happening at the University of Toronto and we need your help!
Please watch and share, and also read, download and distribute the following documents:
Investigation Report
Transphobia in Toronto (open letter)
INTACT’s list of demands for the University of TorontoTransgender, nonbinary and intersex activists in Toronto would appreciate any and all help in circulating this information, re-centering the narrative on the marginalized people being effected by these events, demanding accountability from the University of Toronto, and taking steps to reduce the harm done to our community.
To contribute to the funding of this investigation and to help with others moving forward, please consider donating to this crowdfunder.
Jordan Peterson Supporter Speaks at October 11 Rally
[Content warnings for extreme transphobia, transmisogyny, anti-feminism, ableism, pathologization]
An update on the ongoing situation in Toronto surrounding the transphobic professor at the University of Toronto and subsequent protest demonstrations [1, 2, 3, 4]. This is a speech that was given at what was called a “Freedom of Speech” rally, held in support of professor Jordan Peterson and as a counter-protest to the trans-inclusive teach-in that took place at the same venue the previous week.
Organizers in Toronto are asking for this video to be circulated to spread awareness of the vile and hateful rhetoric that transgender students are being subjected to at the University of Toronto.
The University of Toronto is planning to host a debate about the validity of transgender rights with Jordan Peterson on Saturday November 11th, to give further platform and validation to the man who has sparked so much hostility and hatred towards transgender staff and students at this institution.
Activists are calling for a boycott event, and we encourage transgender, nonbinary and intersex people and allies to take to social media to let people know that our rights and our humanity are #NotUpForDebate
You can also call the University of Toronto at 1-416-978-2011 to let them know your thoughts on the matter.
Disclosing Nonbinary Identity to Teachers - Stock Letter
I usually send out a letter to all of my teachers as the beginning of each semester making them aware of my trans/nonbinary status and language preferences. I thought my letter this year was pretty good, and though the information in the letter is pretty specific to my circumstances, I thought it might work well as a stock letter, for others to use as a reference to write coming out letters to their teachers.
____________________________________________________________
Hi [Teacher’s Name],
I’m sending this out as an email to all of my teachers this semester, to make you aware of some information that is important to my education here at [School’s Name].
I am a transgender person - specifically, I am nonbinary. Basically what that means is I’m of a gender that is neither male nor female. Since the way in which people interact with and speak about each other is so dependant on gender, it is usually necessary for me to disclose this information at the beginning of each semester, in order to let people know how to refer to me.
My preferred and legally recognized name is [Name], and the pronouns I use are gender-neutral “they/them/their/themself”. While using gender-neutral pronouns is my strong preference, I understand that many people who may have never interacted with a nonbinary person before may have difficultly adjusting to using “they” in the singular form - in which, case “he” is preferable to “she”. I also prefer to be referred to using gender-neutral language (“person” instead of “boy or girl”, etc.)
I understand that, since nonbinary people are such a small portion of the population, this might be difficult for some to understand. If you are interested in accessing further resources or learning more about nonbinary and transgender people and accommodating them in the classroom, I have included some links to external resources.
I appreciate your anticipated support.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Creating Inclusive Classrooms For Transgender Students
Gender Spectrum Education Resources
Colleges making efforts to be more trans-friendly
The cause for transgender rights still faces a long journey, but on many college campuses, policies are changing to remove gender identity barriers from campus life.
The University of Vermont recently announced that it will become the latest among a growing number of colleges which allows…
i’m crying oh gosh
TUMBLR PROF ANNOUNCEMENT: If you are trans or nonbinary and you are in the same situation as the student above, email your professors before class starts. I understand that it might be uncomfortable, but generally professors are absolutely happy to accommodate you. I know I always will be!
If your professor does not respond positively, contact the Dean or the campus LGBT+ resource center with a copy of the email and show them that you are concerned about gender discrimination in the classroom.
Also this is a link to the template I used to write this email, and I’ve seen another similar template going around, and this was extremely helpful.
