Reaffirming our commitment to inclusion

Message from Paul O’Byrne, Dean and Vice-President, Faculty of Health Sciences and Saroo Sharda, Associate Dean, Equity and Inclusion, Faculty of Health Sciences

We are writing to reaffirm McMaster University’s, and the Faculty of Health Sciences’, commitment to inclusion and to making McMaster safe and welcoming to 2SLGBTQIA+* community members.

The Faculty of Health Sciences supports 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, acknowledging and promoting their right to access inclusive and culturally safe education and healthcare, including gender affirming care. In the face of harmful narratives around gender identity and gender expression, including targeted hate crimes against these communities, inclusion and respect are critically important. As reported by Statistics Canada, during the COVID-19 pandemic experiences of discrimination, including hate crimes, intensified in Canada, with higher numbers of hate crimes targeting sexual orientation.** It is essential for us to affirm the importance of a vibrant, collaborative environment that protects marginalized communities.

There are many supports available on campus for those in need, including anyone who may have experienced anti-2SLGBTQIA+ discrimination. A list of resources is provided below.

To learn more about an affirming approach to caring for transgender and gender-diverse youth, please review the statement on the Canadian Pediatric Society website.

Please see this message from McMaster in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Please also review our article: 7 ways to help promote positive spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ communities

Here are some resources for those seeking support:
McMaster Student Wellness Centre 2SLGBTQIA+ Resources and Student Wellness Centre Embracing Gender Diversity group
McMaster Equity and Inclusion Office
McMaster Student Union Pride Community Centre
McMaster Student Union Women and Gender Equity Network
McMaster Employee and Family Assistance Program

Resources outside of McMaster:
Hamilton Trans Health Coalition
Speqtrum Hamilton
Resources from the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity
Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6336
PFLAG (support specifically for parents and friends of 2SLGBTQIA+ loved ones)

* 2SLGBTQIA+: two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, plus additional sexual orientations and gender identities.
** The Daily — Police-reported hate crime, 2021 (statcan.gc.ca)