Sign up for the battlefordsNOW newsletter

New announcement from Trudeau an emotional day for one Sakewew student

May 17, 2016 | 5:44 PM

The inclusion of gender identity has been a controversial topic in the House of Commons for over a decade. Today, May 17, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the introduction of bill C-16 –a move which coincided with the official International Day Against Homophopia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Shane Chief, a transgender student currently attending North Battleford’s Sakewew High School said it was quite an emotional moment when he heard Trudeau was putting the bill forward.

“It made me feel safe as a person in transition,” Chief said. “I’ve known since I was 13 years old. And to have something like this…it just, makes me feel safe.”

Shashonee Paddy is acting president of Sakewew’s Gay Straight Alliance Club; upon hearing the news of C-16’s proposal, she issued a personal statement on behalf of the group reacting to the motion.

“Some may argue society is not homophobic. I, being bisexual myself, and others in the LGBTQ community may say otherwise,” she said. “People should really open their eyes and ears –and especially their hearts –to see what LGBTQ individuals really face in their daily lives.”

If Bill C-16 be passes, the law will assist in the freedom and protection of all persons of different gender creeds from discrimination and prejudice in the work place and other locations.

Chief said he is interested in what is to come down the road with regards to feeling safer in school and the work place.

“As a transgender person, I think it’s a great thing. The discrimination that goes on…and now we have something to use. For myself, I had been discriminated against and I had nothing to use. There was no way I could (fight discrimination). I’m thankful that they’re finally doing something about it,” Chief said.

The Gay Straight Alliance Group has been active at Sakewew since 2009. Out of the 230 students at the school, 10 are members of the GSA. However, Paddy said the group is inclusive and serves all members when it comes to belonging and feeling safe.

To celebrate the new bill, the GSA will be having a movie night at the high school.

 

Email: colleen.smith@jpbg.ca

Twitter: ColleenAJSmith