Transgender/Non-binary
What is it?
Being transgender means a person’s gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender identity is a person’s internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere along a spectrum. Some people identify as non-binary, gender-fluid, or a-gender, meaning they do not fit within the traditional male/female categories. Gender dysphoria is the distress someone may feel when their gender identity and assigned sex do not align.
Throughout history and across cultures, gender diversity has existed. Indigenous communities on Turtle Island have long recognized diverse gender roles, and the term Two-Spirit reflects identities that connect gender diversity with Indigenous traditions and community. Today, transgender and non-binary people continue to be part of a broader movement for equality, legal protection, and social recognition.
History
18th Century
Koekchuch of Siberia
The Itelmens of Siberia recognized a third gender known as “koekchuch.”
1919
Institute for Sexual Science Founded
The first Western institute dedicated to studying LGBTQ+ identities was founded in Germany and later destroyed by the Nazis.
1950s
Christine Jorgensen’s Public Transition
Christine Jorgensen became internationally known after undergoing gender-affirming surgery, bringing public awareness to transgender identities.
1966 (June 28)
Police Raid on the Stonewall Inn
Police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York City, arresting and assaulting patrons, which sparked resistance from the community.
1969 (June 28 – July 3)
Stonewall Riots
Following the police raid, six days of protests and clashes erupted, becoming a catalyst for the modern gay rights movement.
1969
Partial Decriminalization of Gay Sex in Canada
Canada partially decriminalized same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults.
1969
First Gender Identity Clinic in Canada
The Clarke Institute of Psychiatry in Toronto opened Canada’s first gender identity clinic.
1970
First Publicized Gender-Affirming Surgery in Canada
Dianna Boileau underwent one of Canada’s first widely publicized gender-affirming surgeries.
1973
Private Surgical Centre Opens in Quebec
A private clinic in Quebec began offering gender-affirming surgeries.
Late 1960s–1970s
Red Power and Gay Liberation Movements
Indigenous and LGBTQ+ activists organized to challenge discrimination, though Indigenous queer people often felt excluded from both movements.
1979
Gender Marker Changes in Six Provinces
Six Canadian provinces allowed trans individuals to update birth certificate gender markers with proof of surgery.
1988
First Annual Gathering of Indigenous Queer Activists
Indigenous LGBTQ+ activists held their first annual meeting to address shared experiences and advocacy.
1989
Oka Crisis
A land dispute in Quebec heightened Indigenous political activism, influencing broader Indigenous movements.
1990
Adoption of the Term “Two-Spirit”
At the third annual Indigenous queer gathering, Myra Laramee shared a dream that led to the adoption of the term “Two-Spirit” as a culturally grounded identity.
1999
BC Human Rights Ruling
British Columbia ruled that trans individuals could not be discriminated against in unions or employment due to gender identity.
2001
Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Decision
The Tribunal ruled that “transsexualism” was protected under sex or disability discrimination grounds.
2008
Ontario Reinstates Surgery Coverage
Public funding for gender-affirming surgeries in Ontario was restored after being suspended in 1998.
2009
Quebec Surgery Coverage Begins
Gender-affirming surgeries performed in Quebec became publicly funded.
2016
Stonewall Designated National Monument
Barack Obama designated the Stonewall Inn and surrounding area as a U.S. National Monument.
2017 (June 15)
Bill C-16 Passed in Canada
Bill C-16 amended the Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code to add gender identity and gender expression as protected grounds.
2017
Toronto Trans Surgical Centre Opens
A specialized trans surgical centre opened in Toronto to expand access to care.
2019
Vancouver Trans Surgical Centre Opens
A surgical centre opened in Vancouver to further improve access to gender-affirming procedures in Western Canada.
Note: Need 2025 info