Item - 2017.CD21.1

The Community Development and Recreation Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council direct that the Trans Youth Advisory be extended to include members aged 14 to 29.

2.  City Council direct the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, in partnership with the Chief Corporate Officer; the General Manager, Toronto Employment and Social Services; the Director Equity, Diversity and Human Rights; the General Manager, Facilities Management; the General Manager, Children's Services; the Executive Director, Human Resources; the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation; the Medical Officer of Health, Toronto Public Health; the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration; and Toronto Police Services to form an Interdivisional Working Group to work with the Trans Youth Advisory to develop a trans inclusive service action plan and report to the November 16, 2017 Community Development and Recreation Committee meeting. 

Toronto is home to an estimated 32 percent of transgender Canadians, or 57,600 people.  Trans people reflect the diversity of the broader population: they belong to all ethno-racial groups and are geographically distributed proportionately to the broader population.

Transgender is an umbrella term referring to people with diverse gender identities and expressions that differ from stereotypical gender norms. It includes but is not limited to people who identify as transgender, trans woman (male-to-female), trans man (female-to-male), transsexual, cross-dresser, gender non-conforming, gender variant or gender queer.

Transgender or trans people experience particular forms of discrimination which limit access to the most basic essentials of life. Discrimination is a persistent reality for trans people: in their families and homes, in school systems, in access to services and supports, and in workplaces. The systemic nature of this discrimination means that trans people are frequently subject to poor health outcomes including high levels of mental health concerns, risk of violence, unemployment, poverty, substance use and suicide attempts.

This report provides education on gender identity and gender expression, and the issues that trans people experience in their daily lives. It is the result of City staff discussions with service providers and residents to better understand how the City can have a positive impact on gender-based youth violence, as per Council direction in 2014 (CD26.2).  In 2015, City Council made important commitments to take action on intimate partner violence and human trafficking. Both address the critical need to prevent and address gender-based violence, especially for young women. While the City is making some positive gender-inclusive steps, there remains a gap in fully addressing the important complex needs of trans-identified youth. Accordingly, this report recommends the development of a targeted action plan focused on equitable access and service delivery to ensure that trans youth experience the wellbeing, safety and opportunities afforded to all Torontonians. This plan will strengthen current City strategies and create equitable outcomes for youth who identify as transgender.