Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, has released the following statement in honour of Transgender Day of Visibility:

“Today, we celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility and the achievements of transgender, Two-Spirit and non-binary people.

“This is the first year that B.C. is officially proclaiming March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility in honour of more than 18,000 transgender, Two-Spirit and non-binary people living in our province.

“In recognition of the significant contributions of the transgender, non-binary and Two-Spirit people to the province, I am proud to stand firmly with them and to affirm my belief in a British Columbia that values diversity, recognizes strengths and upholds dignity and belonging for all.

“Visibility matters. Everyone deserves to see themselves and their contributions represented in their communities. We all benefit when people can all be their most authentic selves.

“This day serves as an opportunity to uplift transgender, Two-Spirit and non-binary people and their accomplishments in every part of our society, from the sciences to the arts, to health care, business, education, social services and beyond.

“Today is also a reminder that not all transgender, Two-Spirit and non-binary people are free to live their lives safely. Many still face hate and discrimination, and struggle to access the life-saving health care and supports they need.

“The rights of people to live safely are not up for negotiation in British Columbia. This day reaffirms that we are committed to continuing to remove systemic barriers, addressing transphobia, delivering inclusive programs and supports, and upholding the rights of transgender, Two-Spirit and non-binary people.

“On this Transgender Day of Visibility, I call on everyone in B.C. to come together to celebrate our diversity and to continue to make our province safer and more welcoming to transgender, Two-Spirit and non-binary people.”