Creating Authentic Spaces – The 519 launches new gender identity and expression toolkit

Creating Authentic Spaces – The 519’s new gender identity and gender expression toolkit aims to advance trans inclusion across Ontario.

Yesterday, The 519, Canada’s largest LGBTQ Centre, launched an online Gender Identity and Gender Expression toolkit supporting the 2012 Ontario Human Rights Code changes to include gender identity and gender expression. This toolkit provides tangible examples of how to make spaces more inclusive to trans identified and gender non-conforming people.

It is one of the most comprehensive and accessible resources of its kind in Canada.

“Our goal is to make all workplace environments in Ontario trans positive and inclusive for all gender identities and expressions,” says Maura Lawless, Executive Director. “This toolkit will give individuals, organizations, and corporations the tools they need to help all people be their authentic selves.”

Creating Authentic Spaces: A Gender Identity and Gender Expression Toolkit to Support the Implementation of Institutional and Social Change

is available free on The 519’s website. The resource was developed through The 519’s education and training department in consultation with Toronto’s trans communities and in conversation with many stakeholders, including the Ontario Human Rights Commission. The project received funding and support from TD Bank Group.

"In our work as educators and facilitators, it has become clear that organizations are seeking resources in creating and sustaining important structural change, which recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of all people, regardless of how they identify on the gender spectrum,” says Jack Hixson-Vulpe, author of the toolkit, and facilitator with Education and Training. “Our work seeks to support all organizations and workplaces to drive change, support allyship, and recognize that addressing discrimination means addressing all forms of oppression.”

The 519 is excited to launch Creating Authentic Spaces and to see it shared broadly across Ontario and beyond.

Creating Authentic Spaces: A Gender Identity and Gender Expression Toolkit to Support the Implementation of Institutional and Social Change

Media Enquiries

John R. Farrell

416-355-6790

Up Next: