Executive Summary

The goal of this strategy is to better understand the gaps, needs, and concerns relating to the experience and safety of non-binary, transgender (trans) and queer employees and students on campus, and to collaboratively find solutions and strategies to promote a safe, equitable and inclusive campus environment for these community members. The populations in focus are also addressed by the umbrella acronyms 2STNBGNC+ and 2SLGBTQIA+.

Although gender identity and expression are protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code, gender and sexual minorities (i.e., the 2STNBGNC+ and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities) experience high levels of discrimination and psychological distress. Key community concerns include gender-based physical and sexual violence, homophobic and transphobic comments and jokes that create a hostile environment, and high risks of mental health issues, self-harm and suicidal tendencies (for more see Background). The seriousness of these issues was demonstrated on June 28, 2023, when an alumnus of the University targeted a gender studies class in a hate-motivated attack related to gender expression and identity, leaving three victims with serious injuries.

To safeguard the 2STNBGNC+community, the University committed to identifying and addressing the needs and concerns of 2STNBGNC+ members on campus.  The Office of EDI-R, in collaboration with Campus Wellness, conducted the 2STNBGNC+ Community Gathering and Sharing Project, which collected data through 22 community consultations, 5 stakeholder interviews, and an online survey. In total, 166 community members contributed to the project and provided feedback.

Participants identified 10 key themes and areas of concern (see Findings for more information):

• Physical safety.
• Psychological and emotional safety, the sense of exclusion, and isolation.
• Discomfort with sharing personal identity-based information.
• Medical services and gender-affirming care.
• Campus community awareness and education.
• Community integration and siloed campus environment.
• Allies and 2STNBGNC+ friendly organizations on campus.
• Institutional and administrative response to reported 2STNBGNC+ issues.
• Trustworthiness and transparency of campus leadership.
• Reputational damage.

Based on the trans and non-binary community concerns, 28 University-wide Recommendations were developed, which addressed the following six areas of opportunity:

• Safety.
• Medical wellbeing and gender-affirming care.
• Social wellbeing and belonging.
• Recognition and support of 2STNBGNC+ identities.
• Community education and training.
• 2SLGBTQIA+ community development and sustainability.