Winnipeg, Wastewater & Environmental Racism Postcards
November 4, 2025
Cameron Armstrong, Angela Ciceron and Sarah Deckert
On September 22, 2025, we met at the Assiniboine and Red Rivers to discuss how Winnipeg’s wastewater reflects and perpetuates environmental racism and colonialism. Dr. Kathy Bird spoke about the interconnectedness of the waters and reminded us that what we do to the waters in Winnipeg impacts our neighbours downstream. With profound insight and storytelling, she called us to a deep respect for the waters, both in spirit and in action. Dr. Jocelyn Thorpe shared about the reality of sewage that flows into the rivers not only when pipes break but when we have a heavy rainfall and the combined sewers overflow. Finally, Councillor Brian Mayes brought our attention to the need for federal support for the North End Sewage Treatment Plant upgrades, which would greatly reduce the amount of nutrients that flow into Lake Winnipeg.
We provided the postcards below as a way for attendees to advocate for the waters, and for our neighbours downstream. Please feel free to print these postcards and send to your MPs, MLAs and city councillors with a personal message about your connection to and hope for the waters. Below the postcards we have provided a few additional resources, including links to help you find your MP, MLA and city councillor, and some prompts for writing an effective letter.
An Evening on Cuban-Canadian encounters through music, art, politics and more with Karen Dubinsky and Jorge Nállim
An Evening on Cuban-Canadian encounters through music, art, politics and more with Karen Dubinsky and Jorge Nállim
October 29, 2025
Centre for Human Rights Research
On October 24, 2025, the CHRR, in collaboration with McNally Robinson Booksellers and the UM Institute for the Humanities hosted historians Karen Dubinsky and Jorge Nállim for an evening on Cuban-Canadian encounters through music, art, politics and more at the Atrium in McNally Robsinson Booksellers – Grant Park. This evening included a reading from Dubinsky’s latest book, Strangely, Friends: A History of Cuban-Canadian Encounters (Between the Lines Books) and a Q&A with the audience, followed by a book signing. Watch a recording of the book launch below.
World Water Week 2025: Ripple Effects
World Water Week 2025: Ripple Effects
October 23, 2025
Sarah Deckert
We understand that water is central to life. We are made of water and it is to be cherished. We respect water, work with it, live with it and nurture it. We are the custodians, guardians and knowledge holders of the lands, coasts, waters, ice and sky in our Homelands. We have sustainably managed, observed and cared for our lands, waters, and natural resources for the health and benefit of both people and Homelands for millennia. Our spiritual connections, ecological and biocultural knowledge, including lived experiences of climate change, have been, and continue to be, passed down from generation to generation through our stories, art, song, dance and cultural life…
Excerpts from “A message from the Indigenous Peoples Delegation to World Water Week“
Early, full and effective participation by Indigenous Peoples in governance and decision-making for environmental management, cultural heritage protection, and climate change is essential to enabling a sustainable future. We need to be empowered in generating global climate change solutions that embed both Indigenous knowledge systems and science.
Joining the Indigenous Peoples Delegation to World Water Week as an ally was a privilege. Held from August 25-29, 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden, World Water Week has been increasing efforts to highlight Indigenous voices over the past several years. This year, the delegation included Indigenous delegates from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, Fiji, Nepal, United States, Sweden and more.
Along with Just Waters researcher Nicole J. Wilson, I had the opportunity to build relationships with and learn from an incredible group of Indigenous experts, water protectors, scientists and advocates. I learned too much for one blog post, so I’ll share a few snapshots.
Sámi presenters Sara-Elvira Kuhmunen and Inger Axiö Albinsson spoke about Sámi experiences of green colonialism. Green energy systems such as windfarms and hydroelectric dams are built in Sápmi, the land of the Sámi that covers parts of Norway, Sweden, Russia and Finland, and are lauded by governments and the public. Stockholm subway station walls are decorated with images of Samuel L. Jackson gazing off into the distance while holding a bag of Vattenfall Windfarmed Seaweed Snacks.
Just before I left for Sweden, I heard about the story of a 113-year old church, and the entire town of Kiruna, being moved five kilometers away to make room for a rare earth mine expansion.
Kiruna and the Vattenfall windfarms are both in Sápmi. Likewise, both projects, and many others, impact reindeer migration paths and grazing grounds—which in turn impacts Sámi livelihoods and culture. Listening to Sara-Elvira and Inger gave me a case of déja-vu—Manitoba Hydro anyone?
The many sessions on nature-based solutions (NbS) caught my interest. While I’m sure there are nuances I didn’t catch, my impression of NbS is that they can be summed up like this: Don’t drain wetlands and other watery places. Dig holes to collect water. Replace concrete with native plants. Follow Indigenous peoples’ lead. Leave forests alone. It almost seems too simple and yet, can you imagine the outrage if we tried to remove downtown parking spots to create a rain garden?
In a powerful moment, Professor Bradley Moggridge from the Kamilaroi Nation of Australia called for the implementation of “culture-based solutions,” which will achieve the intended results of NbS—supporting biodiversity, storing carbon, and more— while also protecting and revitalizing Indigenous cultures.
Dr. Tafue Lusama, a Tuvaluan Indigenous man, spoke to a whole of life philosophy that recognizes the interrelatedness of all things. He highlighted the special knowledge that children have about the lands and waters and encouraged the use of cultural indicators of biodiversity and water quality in addition to technical western scientific monitoring. He was also the only speaker I heard who referenced the experience of being in the water, saying, “You have only to immerse yourself to be refreshed.” As a person who ended every day of the conference by swimming in the 17°C water of the Baltic Sea, I wholeheartedly agree!
In each Indigenous-led session, some version of the opening quote was repeated: “Early, full and effective participation by Indigenous Peoples in governance and decision-making for environmental management, cultural heritage protection, and climate change is essential to enabling a sustainable future.”
While attendees listened attentively and applauded enthusiastically, the question remains: will they go back to their roles in project management, engineering and conservation with good intentions alone or will they offer early, full and effective participation to Indigenous communities that are impacted by their projects?
Powerful words spoken by Indigenous Hawaiian KaiLei’a Duriano are still ringing in my ears:
You have to be vulnerable and willing to risk… When you ask us, we are risking everything. I am pouring my entire cup into this larger cup, and if you are not willing to risk even a drop, I challenge you to reevaluate your role in working with Indigenous communities because it isn’t a project for us—it is a ripple into our tidal waves that we feel for generations to come.
Kailei’a duriano
What kind of ripples are you creating?
Environmental Racism: A Resource Guide
Environmental Racism: A Resource Guide
October 23, 2025
Jenny Amadi, Angela Ciceron, Sarah Deckert and Florence Lange
On September 22, 2025, we met at the Assiniboine and Red Rivers to discuss how Winnipeg’s wastewater reflects and perpetuates environmental racism and colonialism. Dr. Kathy Bird spoke about the interconnectedness of the waters and reminded us that what we do to the waters in Winnipeg impacts our neighbours downstream. With profound insight and storytelling, she called us to a deep respect for the waters, both in spirit and in action. Dr. Jocelyn Thorpe shared about the reality of sewage that flows into the rivers not only when pipes break but when we have a heavy rainfall and the combined sewers overflow. Finally, Councillor Brian Mayes brought our attention to the need for federal support for the North End Sewage Treatment Plant upgrades, which would greatly reduce the amount of nutrients that flow into Lake Winnipeg.
This resource guide was created as a starting point for those seeking to learn more about environmental racism.
Download the screen reader friendly Environmental Racism Resource Guide here:
Just Research: A Podcast – Episode 1
Just Research: A Podcast - Episode 1
October 6, 2025
Angela Ciceron
If you’re interested in water justice, you’ll be interested in the first episode of Just Research. Just Research is a podcast series from the Centre for Human Rights Research at the University of Manitoba. Hosted by Dr. Pauline Tennent and Dr. Adele Perry, the podcast highlights researchers from the UM community and beyond doing work in human rights and social justice in a variety of disciplines.
This season focuses on researchers whose work engages with each of the CHRR’s research themes: Borders and Human Rights, Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights, Reproductive and Bodily Justice, and Water Rights and Justice.
Episode 1: Looking Back on the CHRR and Water Research with Helen Fallding
In the first episode of Just Research, CHRR director Dr. Adele Perry and former CHRR manager Helen Fallding look back to the CHRR’s longstanding work in water rights and justice. In this conversation, they talked about the CREATE H2O program, its interdisciplinary, foundational work in water and sanitation in First Nations communities, and its legacy through the Just Waters project.
Listen now:
Just Research: A Podcast – Season 1
Just Research: A Podcast - Season 1
October 6, 2025
Angela Ciceron
Just Research is a podcast series from the Centre for Human Rights Research at the University of Manitoba. Hosted by Dr. Pauline Tennent and Dr. Adele Perry, the podcast highlights researchers from the UM community and beyond doing work in human rights and social justice in a variety of disciplines.
This season focuses on researchers whose work engages with each of the CHRR’s research themes: Borders and Human Rights, Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights, Reproductive and Bodily Justice, and Water Rights and Justice.
Episode 1: Looking Back on the CHRR and Water Research with Helen Fallding
In the first episode of Just Research, CHRR director Dr. Adele Perry and former CHRR manager Helen Fallding look back to the CHRR’s longstanding work in water rights and justice. In this conversation, they talked about the CREATE H2O program, its interdisciplinary, foundational work in water and sanitation in First Nations communities, and its legacy through the Just Waters project.
Listen now:
Episode 2: On Borders and Human Rights with Dr. Lori Wilkinson
In this episode of Just Reseach, CHRR manager Dr. Pauline Tennent speaks with Dr. Lori Wilkinson, a professor in Sociology at University of Manitoba, about her research on borders and human rights. Dr. Wilkinson’s research has touched on a wide variety of topics surrounding the lived experiences of migrants, refugees, and newcomers in Canada, including their experiences with sexual and gender-based violence.
Listen now:
- Sisic, Mia, Evangelia. Tastsoglou, Lori Wilkinson, Myrna Dawson, Catherine Holtmann, Chantelle Falconer, “The Continuum of Gender-Based Violence Experienced by Migrant and Refugee Women in Canada: Perspectives from Key Informants.” In Special Topic on “Gender and the Continuum of Violence in Migration,” guest-edited by E. Tastsoglou, M. Dawson, J. Freedman, C. Holtmann. In the journal Sociology, Frontiers, 2024
- Luo, Yazhi and Lori Wilkinson (2023) “Asian international students in a mid-sized Canadian City: A Case study of the University of Manitoba” Chapter 14, pp. 202-216 in Asian international students in Canadian universities: Internationalization, racialization and inclusion. Ann H. Kim, Elizabeth Buckner, and Jean Michel Montsion eds. Milton Park, UK: Routledge Press.
- Wilkinson, Lori and Sally Ogoe (2020) “Friendly Manitoba? An Examination of Racism and Xenophobia during the COVID-19 Pandemic” COVID-19 in Manitoba: Public Policy Responses to the First Wave Andrea Rounce, Karine Levasseur, and Shannon Furness eds. Winnipeg: University of Manitoba Press.
Episode 3: On Reproductive and Bodily Justice with Dr. Lindsay Larios
In this episode of Just Research, CHRR manager Dr. Pauline Tennent talks to Dr. Lindsay Larios, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Manitoba, about her research in reproductive justice. Dr. Larios’ work explores access to reproductive justice and care for migrants in Manitoba through community-based research approaches.
Listen now:
- https://chrr.info/research-themes/research-themes/reproductive-and-bodily-justice/
- https://chrr.info/person/people-_network/lindsay-_larios/
- https://lindsaylarios.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/reprojusticeresearchmb/
- https://chrr.info/current-projects-2/past-projects/period-poverty-and-equity-on-campus-and-beyond/
- Tennent, P., Alemaio, B., Belec, H., Hunter, M., Larios, L., Perry, A., Romero, V., Smith, J., & Vickar, C. (2024). A Report on Period Poverty and Equity, on Campus and Beyond. Winnipeg, MB: Centre for Human Rights Research, University of Manitoba.
- Larios, L., Larsen, P., Olanubi, O., & Oviosun, J. (2023) “Healthcare is a human right”: International student speak out on healthcare inaccessibility in Manitoba. Winnipeg, MB: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives — Manitoba.
- Larios, L. (2023). Precarious reproductive citizenship: Employment protections for pregnant precarious status migrants in Canada. Citizenship Studies. DOI: 10.1080/13621025.2022.2073970
- Larios, L. and Cowman, E. (2025). Working toward reproductive justice in Manitoba. Winnipeg, MB: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives — Manitoba.
Episode 4: On Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights with Brenda Gunn
On the last episode of Just Research, CHRR director Dr. Adele Perry speaks to Brenda Gunn, a professor in Robson Hall – Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba, about her research on Indigenous peoples and human rights. Professor Gunn’s work has encompassed a wide variety of topics in this area, including Indigenous and treaty rights in Manitoba, and international law and Indigenous rights.
Listen now:
- https://chrr.info/research-themes/research-themes/reproductive-and-bodily-justice/
- https://chrr.info/person/people-_network/lindsay-_larios/
- https://lindsaylarios.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/reprojusticeresearchmb/
- https://chrr.info/current-projects-2/past-projects/period-poverty-and-equity-on-campus-and-beyond/
- Tennent, P., Alemaio, B., Belec, H., Hunter, M., Larios, L., Perry, A., Romero, V., Smith, J., & Vickar, C. (2024). A Report on Period Poverty and Equity, on Campus and Beyond. Winnipeg, MB: Centre for Human Rights Research, University of Manitoba.
- Larios, L., Larsen, P., Olanubi, O., & Oviosun, J. (2023) “Healthcare is a human right”: International student speak out on healthcare inaccessibility in Manitoba. Winnipeg, MB: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives — Manitoba.
- Larios, L. (2023). Precarious reproductive citizenship: Employment protections for pregnant precarious status migrants in Canada. Citizenship Studies. DOI: 10.1080/13621025.2022.2073970
- Larios, L. and Cowman, E. (2025). Working toward reproductive justice in Manitoba. Winnipeg, MB: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives — Manitoba.
Fighting Denialism and Standing Up for the Truth About Residential Schooling
Fighting Denialism and Standing Up for the Truth About Residential Schooling
September 24, 2025
Kimberly Murray and Sean Carleton
Residential school denialism is on the rise. Niigaan Sinclair and Sean Carleton, University of Manitoba professors and CHRR Research Affiliates, are working on a new book collection that will help people learn how to identify and confront residential school denialism to help put truth before reconciliation. The following is an abridged version of a chapter, based on a conversation with lawyer and professor Kimberly Murray, that will appear in the new volume.
University of Manitoba Period Supply Access Map
University of Manitoba Period Supply Access Map
October 18, 2025
Centre for Human Rights Research
As a part of CHRR’s Period Poverty and Equity, On Campus and Beyond project, a team of volunteers conducted an audit of washrooms on the University of Manitoba campus to assess the availability of period supplies. The audit found that period supplies were freely available in less than 3% of the washrooms on campus. Many of the coin-operated dispensers that did exist in many of the bathrooms were empty or malfunctioning. At the time of the audit, there were no period supplies in any men’s washrooms on campus.
In September 2025, the University of Manitoba, with the guidance of UMSU Women’s Centre, increased the availability of free period supplies on campus with baskets in a number of washrooms (including women’s, men’s, gender inclusive, and accessible washrooms) across campus. With the support of Caretaking Services, the baskets will include a form with a QR code with a request to be filled.
Our map features a list of places to access period supplies on the University of Manitoba campuses was created to help promote equitable access to period supplies for menstruating individuals at the university.
“Period Poverty and Equity, on Campus and Beyond” utilized a menstrual justice lens to bring together faculty and staff, with students and organizations, to address period poverty (the increased economic vulnerability resulting from the financial burden posed by the need for menstrual supplies) and promote period equity.
If you know any additional places to access period supplies on the University of Manitoba campus, please contact us at chrr@umanitoba.ca.
Legend
Locations with period supply in washrooms
Non-washroom locations with period supplies
Fort Garry Campus
Active Living Centre, Room 159 (women’s), Room 158 (men’s), Room 345A (gender inclusive), Room 234 (gender inclusive), Room 254 (gender inclusive)
Agriculture, Room 124 (women’s), Room 167 (women’s)
Agriculture Lecture Block, Room 202A (women’s)
Allen, Room 304A (women’s), Room 531 (women’s), Room 101A (women’s), Room 103 (men’s)
Animal Sciences, Room 144A (women’s), Room 234C (women’s)
Architecture 1 (Russell), Room 309 (women’s), Room 109A (women’s)
Architecture 2, Room 202 (women’s), Room 303 (women’s)
Armes, Room 104 (women’s/accessible), Room 108 (men’s), Room 106A (gender inclusive/accessible)
ARTlab, Room 353 (women’s), Room 352 (men’s), Room 453 (women’s), Room 166 (women’s)
ASBC Health and Wellness Centre*, Faculty of Arts Student Lounge, Fletcher Argue Building
Biological Sciences, Room 107 (women’s), Room 403B (women’s)
Buller, Room 218B (women’s), Room 218A (gender inclusive), Room 415 (women’s)
Centre for Human Rights Research*, 4th Floor Robson Hall
Chancellors Hall, Room 102 (women’s), Room 103 (men’s)
Dairy Science, Room 204B (gender inclusive)
Drake, Room 149 (gender inclusive), Room 274 (gender inclusive), Room 337 (gender inclusive), Room 527 (gender inclusive)
Duff Roblin, Room 201 (women’s), Room 203 (men’s), Room 303 (women’s), Room N316 (women’s), Room 401 (women’s), Room 403B (gender inclusive)
Education, Room 218 (gender inclusive), Room 219 (gender inclusive), Room 332 (women’s), Room 330A (gender inclusive), Room 292 (gender inclusive)
Elizabeth Dafoe Library, Room 105 (women’s), Room 108W (gender inclusive), Room 211 (gender inclusive), Room 214 (gender inclusive), Room 320 (women’s)
Ellis, Room 214W (women’s)
Engineering E1, Room E1-204 (gender inclusive), Room E1-292 (gender inclusive)
Engineering E2, Room E2-347 (women’s), Room E2-151 (men’s), Room E2-141 (women’s), Room E2-247 (women’s), Room E2-547 (women’s)
Extended Education, Room 164 (gender inclusive)
Frank Kennedy, Room 130B (gender inclusive), Room 130C (gender inclusive), Room 317A (gender inclusive), Room 317B (gender inclusive), Room 159A (gender inclusive), Room 152A (gender inclusive)
Helen Glass, Room 139 (women’s), Room 273 (women’s), Room 204 (gender inclusive), Room 339 (women’s), Room 314 (gender inclusive), Room 439 (women’s)
Human Ecology, Room 116A (women’s), Room 116B (men’s), Room 319/320 (gender inclusive), Room 414 (gender inclusive)
Fletcher Argue, Room 101C (gender inclusive), Room 211B (women’s), Room 211A (men’s), Room 121 (gender inclusive)
Investors Group Athletic Centre, Room 126 (men’s), Room 128 (women’s), Room 321 (women’s),
Isbister, Room 132 (women’s), Room 134 (men’s), Room 135 (gender inclusive), Room 337A (gender inclusive)
Machray Hall*, Room 204 (women’s/accessible)
Max Bell Centre, Room 121 (women’s), Room 202 (women’s), Room 101 (women’s)
Migizii Agamik* (gender inclusive, men’s, and women’s)
Parker, Room 106B (women’s), Room 409A (women’s)
Pembina Hall, Room 110A (women’s), Room 109 (men’s), Room 115 (gender inclusive)
Robert B. Schultz Theatre, Room 162 (women’s), Room 165 (men’s)
Robson Hall, Room 105C (women’s), Room 203C (gender inclusive), Room 203D (gender inclusive), Room 408 (women’s)
Sinnott, Room 326 (women’s)
Stanley Pauley Engineering, Room SP118 (women’s), Room SP117 (gender inclusive)
St. John’s College, Room 122 (women’s)
St. Paul’s College, Room 156 (women’s), Room 158 (men’s)
Student Wellness Centre*, 162 Extended Education
Tache 2, Room T2-235 (gender inclusive)
Tache Arts Complex, Room 116A (gender inclusive/accessible), Room 116C (gender inclusive), Room 264A (gender inclusive), Room 264B (gender inclusive), Room 316 (gender inclusive/accessible), Room 416 (gender inclusive/accessible), Room 446A (gender inclusive), Room 446B (gender inclusive), Room 464A (gender inclusive), Room 464B (gender inclusive)
Tier, Room 112 (women’s), Room 102 (men’s), Room 211B (gender inclusive), Room 309A (women’s), Room 412A (women’s)
UMSU University Centre, Room 110E (gender inclusive), Room 110B (gender inclusive), Room 110C (men’s), Room 110F (women’s), Room 133 (gender inclusive), Room 127 (men’s), Room 131 (women’s), Room 231 (women’s/accessible), Room 307 (women’s), Room 307 (women’s), Room 506 (women’s), Room 506A (women’s)
UMSU Women’s Centre*, 190 Helen Glass
University College, Room 134A (women’s), Room 135D (men’s)
Wallace, Room 225A (gender inclusive), Room 225B (gender inclusive), Room 225C (gender inclusive), Room 200A (gender inclusive), Room 200B (gender inclusive), Room 204 (gender inclusive)
Welcome Centre, Room 106 (gender inclusive)
Richardson Centre, Room 166 (women’s), Room 167 (men’s)
*Areas with an asterisk are not maintained or replenished by Physical Plant. Please contact the respective groups to replenish these supplies.
Bannatyne Campus
Apotex Centre, Room 102 (women’s), Room 202 (women’s)
Basic Medical Science, Room 151 (women’s),Room 228 (women’s)
Chown Building*,1st floor (men’s and women’s)
Dentistry, Room D215 (women’s), Room D013A&B (women’s)
Medical Services, Room S209A (women’s)
Med Rehab, Room R150 (women’s)
Pathology, Room P307 (gender inclusive)
*Areas with an asterisk are not maintained or replenished by Physical Plant. Please contact the respective groups to replenish these supplies.
William Norrie Centre
Guide for Inclusive and Accessible Design Principles
Guide for Inclusive and Accessible Design Principles
June 1, 2025
Shaylyn Pelikys
While designing social media content and resources for the Just Waters project, student researcher Shaylyn Pelikys took the time to create this Guide for Inclusive and Accessible Design Principles in an effort to support our team in creating resources that are accessible for everyone to use. We’re happy to share this important resource so that you can also start your journey towards creating more inclusive and accessible designs!
Download the screen reader friendly Guide to Inclusive and Accessible Design Principles here:
Beyond the Binary: Celebrating Trans, Non-Binary, & Gender-Expansive Folks on International Women’s Day
Beyond the Binary: Celebrating Trans, Non-Binary, & Gender-Expansive Folks on International Women’s Day
March 7, 2025
Emma Cowman (she/they)
Image: Juan Moyano / Stocksy United
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This is a day to celebrate the resilience and accomplishments of those oppressed under patriarchal systems, while serving as a reminder of the ongoing global struggles for gender equity and justice. However, this day of celebration has historically centered on the experiences of cisgender women, often excluding or disenfranchising trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive folks, who also experience misogyny, gender-based violence, and discrimination under patriarchal systems.
With our neighbours in the U.S. outwardly attacking trans rights through policy and legislative changes, it is imperative to recognize and uplift trans folk this IWD. These legislative assaults – including restrictions on gender-affirming care, bathroom access, legal gender recognition, and the removal of gender identity from state civil rights protections – threaten the dignity and safety of trans individuals.
However, these attacks are not just a U.S. issue. Across the world, trans communities are fighting for their basic human rights in the face of state-sanctioned violence, exclusion, and systemic barriers to healthcare, education, and legal recognition. In Canada, while trans and non-binary people are recognized and protected under Canadian law, the current Conservative Party opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre has stated that he is only aware of two genders (male and female). Furthermore, provincial governments across the country are attacking trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive youth through pronoun and name laws in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and New Brunswick schools.
Trans Rights are Human Rights
At its core, the fight for gender equality is a human rights issue. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that all individuals, regardless of gender identity, are entitled to dignity, freedom, and equality. Further, international human rights law protects 2SLGBTQIA+ people from discrimination and violence. Trans people have the right to legal recognition of their gender identity, the right to change their gender in official documents, and the right to access education, employment, and healthcare.
Despite this, trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive folks experience discrimination and trans misogyny in healthcare, employment, education, and housing. They are also at a higher risk of experiencing hate-motivated violence, including physical and sexual assault.
The failure to fully recognize trans rights as human rights reinforces cycles of marginalization, violence, and state-sanctioned discrimination. When governments pass laws that restrict gender-affirming care, erase legal gender recognition, or criminalize trans existence, they are not just enacting policy – but they are violating the basic human dignity and rights of trans individuals. These actions send a dangerous message that trans lives are disposable, further legitimizing social stigma and violence against trans communities.
By affirming that trans rights are human rights, we acknowledge that true gender equality cannot be achieved without the full inclusion, protection, and empowerment of trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive individuals. Human rights belong to everyone – not just those who conform to rigid, binary understandings of gender. Ensuring that trans people have access to the same freedoms, opportunities, and protections as everyone else is not just an act of solidarity, but a necessary step toward building a more just and equitable world.
This International Women’s Day…
This IWD, we must honour trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive folks who have long been at the forefront of feminist, 2SLGBTQIA+, and social justice movements, even when they are being erased from these narratives. From Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera in the fight for queer and trans liberation, to contemporary leaders like Raquel Willis, Imara Jones, and Tourmaline, trans activists have been pivotal in challenging systemic oppression, advocating for bodily autonomy, and demanding gender justice for all. As we mark IWD, we must ensure that trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive individuals are not just included in the conversation but actively centered in the fight for gender justice and freedom from patriarchal oppression.
International Women’s Day is a call to action to dismantle the oppressive structures that harm all women – cis and trans alike – alongside trans men, non-binary, and gender-expansive individuals. This IWD must be a day that centers and celebrates the resilience, contributions, and struggles of trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive people worldwide. At the same time, we emphasize the need for continued advocacy to challenge the rising gender essentialist rhetoric and legislation. By recognizing the intersections of gender oppression, we strengthen the collective fight for liberation, autonomy, and justice for all.
By: Emma Cowman (she/they)
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