I am a girl but sometimes I feel like I am stuck in the wrong body. I want to be a boy. I am trying to find a therapist right now. But I'm wondering: if I do decide to transition, then will I be fired from work? (I don't have a job yet, I'm in college trying to figure out what to do with my life, so I figure I'll already have a job by the time I do decide to transition). I live in Canada if this helps.
You can't be fired for being transgender as long as there are some sort of anti-discrimination laws. That doesn't mean that they won't potentially fire you for being trans but use another excuse. I came out to the company I was working for and they already had policies in place on what to do as I transitioned. I think it depends on the managers and the place. Not sure on Canada's laws though.
I know this is a bit late, but I hope it helps.
Transgender rights are a bit of a gray area in Canada with the exception of the Northwest Territories (the law there includes the phrase "gender identity" in its anti-discrimination act). It's illegal to discriminate against individuals based on their sexual orientation in all provinces, but nothing explicitly states that a transgendered person cannot have their employment terminated or housing denied. However, you could argue that being fired because you are transitioning violates your freedom from discrimination based on "gender-determined characteristics," which is included in the Human Rights Acts in effect in all Canadian provinces.
My best advice would be to be you, and fight any misguided wrongdoing that comes your way. If someone DOES try to deny you employment or fire you based solely on your status as a transgendered person, contact your provincial human rights commission. You can also write the Court Challenges Program and ask that gender identification be clearly stated in the law.
And...like Andrew said, some people will fire you and cite another issue (downsizing, you were late by four minutes that one time, your handwriting is poor, etc.) when they really don't want you working there for reasons that legally cannot fire you for. I've had this happen to me regarding issues that weren't gender related. I'm not sure what can be done about that, as legally they've fired you for acceptable reasons. When that happened to me I just wrote off those jerks and found a job that didn't have an issue with who I am.
I' d mentioning your situation beforehand and find out.
A new bill was passed this month in Ontario.
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/canadas-house-of-commons-passes-transgender-bill/ (http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/canadas-house-of-commons-passes-transgender-bill/)
Quote from: JayUnit on February 27, 2011, 10:06:33 PM
A new bill was passed this month in Ontario.
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/canadas-house-of-commons-passes-transgender-bill/ (http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/canadas-house-of-commons-passes-transgender-bill/)
Actually, that's all of Canada and not unique to Ontario. Canada finally included gender identity and gender rights into the Charter of Human Rights. Now if only the US would something similar..
Quote from: Linus on February 27, 2011, 10:58:04 PM
Actually, that's all of Canada and not unique to Ontario. Canada finally included gender identity and gender rights into the Charter of Human Rights. Now if only the US would something similar..
Yeah that makes sense. I don't pay much attention to that sort of stuff I just know that Ontario and Alberta are the only two provinces that don't cover surgeries for transgenders under OHIP. Well techincally Ontario does but only if you go through the torture of CAMH. Ontario seems to be more strict about things like that and also with the liquor board. And being from Ontario I really don't know much more about transgendered rights in each province. I can't see Alberta being very happy about that bill though hahah.
If you're really good, it's not going to matter. Likewise, if you suck - particularly in this economy - they are going to find a way to get rid of you. It's the majority of people in the middle that have the problems.
Quote from: JayUnit on February 27, 2011, 11:11:23 PM
Yeah that makes sense. I don't pay much attention to that sort of stuff I just know that Ontario and Alberta are the only two provinces that don't cover surgeries for transgenders under OHIP. Well techincally Ontario does but only if you go through the torture of CAMH. Ontario seems to be more strict about things like that and also with the liquor board. And being from Ontario I really don't know much more about transgendered rights in each province. I can't see Alberta being very happy about that bill though hahah.
Actually all provinces don't cover SRS except for Ontario and B.C. (rumor was that Quebec was going to cover it but I don't know if they changed it yet to include it). Ontario has always been a bit of a nanny-state (since moving to the US and going back to visit friends, I've noticed this more and more when trying to purchase cigars -- it's insanely weird how they hide them, as if that would discourage someone ?!?).
And I'm sure Alberta will try to call into play provincial rights but the SCC will probably slap them down.
As for CAMH, someone should force Zucker to retire early.
Quote from: Linus on February 27, 2011, 11:42:28 PM
Actually all provinces don't cover SRS except for Ontario and B.C. (rumor was that Quebec was going to cover it but I don't know if they changed it yet to include it). Ontario has always been a bit of a nanny-state (since moving to the US and going back to visit friends, I've noticed this more and more when trying to purchase cigars -- it's insanely weird how they hide them, as if that would discourage someone ?!?).
And I'm sure Alberta will try to call into play provincial rights but the SCC will probably slap them down.
As for CAMH, someone should force Zucker to retire early.
Oh ->-bleeped-<- really. I have no idea why I thought the other provinces covered it. I used read tons of articles online about Ontario SRS coverage and must have read it somewhere so who knows how old that was.
And yeah hahah something needs to be done about CAMH :/
But aparently Sherbourne is working on getting a clinic so people can go through them also? Not really sure about that, all rumours there.
Ok...nice to know BC covers SRS (I'm assuming both top and bottom surgery). What about T shots and therapy?
Join the relevant union, it means if you have problems you have someone to help you
Quote from: Josh T on February 28, 2011, 12:19:22 AM
Ok...nice to know BC covers SRS (I'm assuming both top and bottom surgery). What about T shots and therapy?
Not sure. You'd have to check with them. Usually prescription medicine isn't covered by provincial health care but each province gets to decide that. If you're in B.C. check with your physician as they'd be able to help or contact the BC Ministry of Health http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/ (http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/)
Quote from: JayUnit on February 27, 2011, 11:54:12 PM
Oh ->-bleeped-<- really. I have no idea why I thought the other provinces covered it. I used read tons of articles online about Ontario SRS coverage and must have read it somewhere so who knows how old that was.
And yeah hahah something needs to be done about CAMH :/
But aparently Sherbourne is working on getting a clinic so people can go through them also? Not really sure about that, all rumours there.
It appears to be running: http://www.sherbourne.on.ca/programs/transhealth.html (http://www.sherbourne.on.ca/programs/transhealth.html) The challenge is, IIRC, that CAMH still has to give the "okie-dokie" for surgery coverage.
wtf