Over 400 artists have united under the Tegan and Sara Foundation to rebuke anti-trans legislation in Canada. Artists including Neil Young, Carly Rae Jepsen, Elliot Page, and Alanis Morissette signed the letter entitled “Artists Against Anti-Trans Legislation In Canada”. The letter maintained that far-right groups were creating a Canada in which division was rampant. Trans people are “punched as the convenient scapegoat,” said the letter. The statement also highlighted that Canada is not immune to worldwide attacks on the trans community’s access to inclusive spaces, freedoms, and healthcare.
On Trans Day of Visibility, the aforementioned letter was issued. The letter outlined specific measures that targeted transgender youth, including the proposed bans of hormonal treatment and surgery and puberty blockers by Alberta premier Danielle Smith. Additionally, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick announced that the chosen names and pronouns of children under 16 would require parental consent before being respected by schools.
“The anti-trans policies taking root in Canada go beyond discrimination, they present a clear risk to the mental and physical well-being of trans individuals throughout the country. As artists, we know the danger of a social and political environment that restricts expression, exploration, individuality, and self-determination. We want to keep living in a world that celebrates the beauty of difference because difference and art go hand in hand”, the stronger statement in the letter continued. “We also believe in the power of using our voices for those who aren’t being heard.”
Founded in 2016, the Tegan and Sara Foundation raises funds and advocates for equality and justice for the LGBTQ+ community. The pop duo received a humanitarian award at the Juno Awards last month for their contribution to the Tegan and Sara Foundation, during which they cautioned the anti-trans policies of the Alberta government
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