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Our Unsung Heroes and Heroines

Too often, we in the community lose sight of the larger picture; the one going on behind the scenes.  We may occasionally get a glimpse of the work being done and even more rarely, be able to attach a name to these people.

These are the men and women we know as "activists" who engage organizations at all levels from the smallest of businesses in the private sector to government at all levels.  I personally refuse the moniker of activist; preferring to be seen as an advocate.  I have stated many times I have no such desire to put my face out there.  Those brave men and women who do so, both from within our community and from the cisgendered community often don't get the recognition they deserve.  I can also plead guilty to that failure.  Too often when we do get snippets of their activities, we are critical to the point of being absurd in our demands.  This of course leads to dissention and that is what keeps us apart.

Here in London, our local trans leader is Michelle Boyce.  She works tirelessly to help our community directly, as well as act as a conduit for change within the systems that are resistant to tolerance of our community.  Michelle has advocated for healthcare, equality in the education system, fair treatment by law enforcement among many countless other circumstances.  I am sure there are times she wonders why she does it.  I am sure that she looks around at the poverty and discrimination suffered by our community then again resumes her work with a renewed focus and sense of urgency.  She is someone I admire very much for her work.  It is probably something I don't say enough but I know she is aware of that appreciation.

Michelle is not alone in London; there are others just not as visible.  They are allies to our community.  They come from the faith community, legal community, educators, medicine among others.  Some of their names are known, others are not.  They want nothing more than to have a society that is equal and fair to all.  Some are trans and others are cisgendered.

Provincially some of our community are leading the way to make government more responsive to our needs.  Theirs is frustrating and tedious work and negotiation with bureaucrats and institutions.  To most of us, what needs to be done is an obvious no brainer but again, systems get in the way; more systems need to be constructed etc as change slowly comes. 

A few political figures are also pushing for change.  Ms. Cheri Di Novo NDP MPP is one such person.  She has now introduced and reintroduced Toby's Act which will provide protection for transgender to the Ontario Human Rights Code.  Her Federal counterpart Mr. Bill Siksay has seen his private member's bill that would do the same to Federal Human Rights Legislation, advance to committee.

The names of these men and women are numerous.  Some want to remain out of the limelight and that is a good choice for them.  Others have no problem standing in front.  It is their actions that speak.  Too often their work is missed or unreported.

As things change both within our community and without, they and their actions will become more visible.  We owe them a huge debt of gratitude and our support first.

Kimberley

June 2010