Morgane Oger Foundation Celebrated at Parliament Hill Reception Addressing Need for Inclusion
National transgender rights activist Morgane Oger addresses guests on Parliament Hill at a reception for inclusion bringing together lawmakers, agencies, and advocates on the topic of inclusion in Canada 1 year after the passing of trans rights bill C-16.
Vancouver, B.C. May 29, 2018 - National transgender rights activist Morgane Oger was the guest of honour at an all party reception to feature the Morgane Oger Foundation and our ongoing work to further protect gender identity and expression.
The reception was be hosted by LGBTQ2 Advisor to the Prime Minister Randy Boissonnault, The Honorable Michelle Rempel, and New Democratic Party Parliamentary House Leader Guy Caron.
“More work remains to be done to help all Canadians understand why including everyone is so important.”
(From the left) NDP House Leader Guy Caron, the Hon. Michelle Rempel, Trans rights activist Morgane Oger, and LGBTQ2 Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Randy Boissonnault pose for a family photo at the May 29 reception for inclusion on Parliament Hill
Bringing together lawmakers and their staff with community advocates, political leaders, and Canadian agencies working in human rights, the reception helped update stakeholders about the ongoing work of the Foundation combating bias and exclusion through advocacy, organizing, and legal mechanisms. Additionally, the reception was a priceless opportunity for frank informal discussion between stakeholders about winning hearts and minds while relentlessly pushing for the implementation of the guidelines that reflect and apply Canada's human rights laws.
“It is long overdue for Canadians to know that new and existing laws are not purely symbolic.
If leveraged and well-understood, they have the ability to make all of our lives equitable and fair.”
Canadian Human Rights Commission Deputy Director Genevieve Chabot and Executive Director Ian Fine discuss ongoing problem areas with Morgane Oger
During the reception, Morgane Oger Foundation staff was able to engage with lawmakers, stakeholders and the Canadian Human Rights Commission representatives about lessons learned eleven months into the explicit protection of gender identity or expression so agencies and policy makers can better work together towards better implementation of the new measures and ensuring they are adhered to.
Canadians have been protected from discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression when "trans rights" bill C-16 was passed into law in May 2017.
Singer-Songwriter and Queer educator Kate Reid plays for a loving audience at Ottawa's Parliament Pub in a free all-ages benefit concert in support of the Morgane Oger Foundation's human rights legal fund.
After the parliament hill reception, the Ottawa community took advantage of a free outdoor concert at the Parliament Pub featuring Queer educator and singer-songwriter Kate Reid.
With Parliament serving as a background on a beautiful May evening, the celebration of queer identities and liberation was well received by fans and politicos alike.
