Earlier this week I rose in the Nova Scotia Legislature to call on my fellow lawmakers to do everything we can to protect trans, queer and Two Spirit kids, and make sure that they are safe and protected at school and reflected in the curriculum.
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I have a T-shirt that says “Protect Trans Kids.” I bought it at Cape and Cowl Comics and Collectibles , which is a great small business in Sackville. The last time I wore it was at a solidarity rally with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, when protests around the country were calling for changes to Education Acts that would take away the rights and safety of trans, non-binary, and queer kids. I have two young children who are still figuring out who they are. Cisgender, transgender, gender-diverse, gay, straight, pan -who knows? What I do know is that it is my job, and my mama bear instinct, to protect them and all kids from the things that may harm them: the sun, not getting enough fresh air or exercise, or lack of self-love, or feelings of self-worth or self-confidence. Every child, no matter who they are, deserves the rights afforded them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. They deserve school curricula that reflect them and respect them and keep them safe from ideas and people who don’t believe they are worthy of love or safety. We in this Legislature and all lawmakers must do everything in our power to protect trans kids, queer kids, Two-Spirit kids -all kids