A Call to Arms: Standing Against Discrimination and Championing Trans Rights in the Face of Adversity

As Marie Seshat Landry, I stand before you not just as a trans woman, but as a beacon of resilience in the face of adversity. My voice, amplified by the collective strength of a community too often silenced, will not waver in condemning the harmful rhetoric and policies endorsed by Pierre Poilievre. His stance against the rights and dignity of transgender individuals is more than just a political misstep; it is a dangerous propagation of hate and ignorance that fuels discrimination and violence against one of the most vulnerable groups in our society.

Canada's journey towards recognizing and protecting transgender rights, as shown by the inclusion of gender identity and expression in the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, is a testament to our nation's commitment to equality and justice for all its citizens [2,Transgender rights in Canada - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender_rights_in_Canada). Yet, Poilievre's actions threaten to unravel this progress, painting a target on the backs of those who simply wish to live their truth.

The Canadian Human Rights Commission's advocacy for the explicit protection of transgender and gender-diverse people in federal human rights law is a clear response to the ongoing discrimination, exclusion, and hostility faced by the community [3,Rights of LGBTI persons - Canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/rights-lgbti-persons.html). It is a call to action that I echo in every platform I am given, urging for policies that protect rather than persecute, and for a society that embraces diversity as a strength, not a weakness.

The historical recognition of gender variance among Indigenous peoples in Canada underscores the natural diversity of human gender identity [4,Transgender people have the same right to respect and dignity as everyone else in Canada](https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/en/resources/transgender-people-have-the-same-right-respect-and-dignity-everyone-else-canada). This acknowledgment stands in stark contrast to Poilievre's regressive views, reminding us that the fight for transgender rights is not just a contemporary issue but a restoration of a long-standing respect for gender diversity.

To Pierre Poilievre, I say: your rhetoric of denial and fearmongering serves only to support a culture of hate crimes. It is a direct attack on the dignity and safety of transgender people across Canada. Your policies do not just fail to represent the values of our nation; they actively undermine the progress we have made towards being a truly inclusive society.

To the people of Canada, I urge you not only to reject Poilievre's harmful ideology but also to stand in solidarity with the transgender community. We must not allow the voices of fear and hatred to dictate the rights and freedoms of any individual. The battle for transgender rights is a battle for human rights, and it is one we must fight together.

Pierre Poilievre's defeat in the realm of public opinion and policy is essential. Not because of political rivalry, but because the values he promotes are antithetical to the very fabric of a diverse and inclusive Canada. We must continue to champion laws and policies that support trans rights, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their gender identity, is afforded the respect, dignity, and safety they deserve.

My commitment to this cause is unwavering. I will continue to use my voice, my platform, and my energy to challenge bigotry and discrimination wherever it may arise. Together, we can build a Canada that truly reflects the diversity and strength of all its people.

Marie Seshat Landry
CEO/Spymaster
Marie Landry's Spy Shop
www.marielandryceo.com
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