Tegan and Sara lead one open letter campaign who opposes anti-transgender legislation in Canada. The letter, which was created by the duo foundation on LGBTQ+ equality and justice, published on March 31 to mark World Transgender Day of Visibility. Over 400 artists have signed the letter, including Alanis Morissette, Carly Rae Jepsen, Neil Young, Elvis Costello, Feist, Mac DeMarco, Pup, Peaches and Broken Social Scene's Kevin Drew.
“The anti-trans policies taking root in Canada go beyond discrimination – they present a clear risk to the mental and physical well-being of transgender people across the country,” the letter reads. “As artists, we know the danger of a social and political environment that limits expression, exploration, individuality and self-determination. We want to continue living in a world that celebrates the beauty of difference, because difference and art go hand in hand. We also believe in the power of using our voice for the unheard.”
The long list of artists who have signed their names in support of Tegan and Sara's initiative also includes Buffy Sainte-Marie, Metric, Julie Doiron, Andy Shauf, Backxwash, Owen Pallett, Badbadnotgood, Rufus Wainwright, KD Lang, Allison Russell , Sum 41, Starring Hayden Menzies of Metz, Alexisonfire, Ryan Hemsworth, Tokyo Police Club, Amy Cole of Rural Alberta Advantage, Chad VanGaalen, Chet Porter, Coeur de Pirate and Jasmyn.
Currently, anti-transgender legislation has not been signed into law in Canada, but various policies have been proposed in a few provinces. In February, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith proposed bans on gender-affirming health care for transgender youth, such as hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery, reports CPC. Smith also made proposals regarding parental notification policies for students who change their name or pronouns and banning transgender women from competing in women's sports leagues.
months ago, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan announced that parental consent is required before schools can honor the chosen names and pronouns of children under the age of 16. “Government should never stand between parents, their children and evidence-based health care and support,” the Tegan and Sara Foundation's open letter continues. “We are moving toward more harmful anti-trans legislation in Canada and are calling on our communities and local and national policy makers to put an end to this rise in anti-trans politics.”
Read The Fight for Queer Nightlife in an Era of Political Violence.
from our partners at https://pitchfork.com/news/tegan-and-sara-alanis-morissette-carly-rae-jepsen-more-sign-letter-protesting-anti-trans-legislation-in-canada
