Human Rights and Heterosexism

Human Rights in Canada

Human rights for GLBTT* people have come a long way in Canada, at least in a relative sense. GLBTT* people are legally entitled to equal access to housing, employment, health care, and other rights enjoyed by all Canadians. We are allowed to vote, marry, have children, run for political office, openly serve in the military, and engage in the forms of sexuality that give us pleasure. In urban centres, we can celebrate and enjoy our diverse communities in Pride parades, and in GLBTT*-friendly bars, film festivals, athletic groups, and more.

Heterosexism Still Exists

The reality is however – as many of us know from direct experience – homophobia, transphobia, and other expressions of hate, misunderstanding, and intolerance towards GLBTT* people are still prevalent. Heterosexism, or the assumption that people’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity falls into simple and prescribed binaries (for example, that men are attracted to women, and women are attracted to men), is deeply engrained in our country, and even in ourselves. In the media, in schools, in places of employment, in health care settings, and in public, we are misrepresented, underrepresented, and subjected to ignorance, shaming, violence, and even death.

The Impact of Heterosexism on GLBTT* People

When information regarding our population is collected intelligently and respectfully, the evidence overwhelmingly indicates that GLBTT* Canadians are impacted like any other oppressed group in society. Like other minority groups, we face higher rates of:

• unemployment and underemployment
• poverty
• illness and mental health issues
• childhood sexual abuse
• suicide

We also have more limited access to resources and support systems that would help us to overcome these disadvantages.

In some cases, GLBTT* people are even seen as the cause of these issues, blamed for any disadvantages we experience as a result of being true to ourselves. The ways that we express love and desire are regularly met with hostile responses, even when they mirror acceptable forms of heterosexual affection, such as holding hands.