September
30, 2011 The Editor-in-Chief
Steven Meurice
The National Post
Email: letters@nationalpost.com
To whom it may concern;
We are writing to express our grave concerns about the full-page ad by the Institute for Canadian Values which The National Post published on Saturday, September 24, 2011, and again on Wednesday, September 28, 2011. The advertisement claims that the curriculum used to teach students of the Toronto District School Board about equity related to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities is designed to confuse and corrupt children, and take away parental rights. We believe that these ads perpetuate the discrimination and hatred experienced by LGBT people, violate their human rights, and contribute to negative health outcomes.
Sherbourne Health Centre offers high quality primary health care and support to individuals and families in south-east Toronto, and is a leading provider of LGBT health services. Its trans health protocols and LGBTQ Parenting Program are globally recognized. We provide programs and services for thousands of LGBT adults, youth, and their families. Our clinical experience reflects well-documented research evidence that links poor mental health, low self esteem, suicidality, and impaired physical resilience directly to experiences of rejection by families and communities, to bullying and the lack of safety in our schools, workplaces and public institutions, and to social isolation. While this is true for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, it is especially true for trans people.
Conversely, where families and communities support their LGBT members, and where differences in sexual orientation and gender identity are not feared but accepted as part of the richness of human society, health and wellness outcomes are positive. Environments which embrace concepts of equity and respect for diversity allow individuals to explore their sexual orientation or gender in safety, and contribute to positive health outcomes.
The ad which The National Post published is offensive, blatantly perpetuates the transphobic and homophobic hatred which continues to be so prevalent in our society, and is an affront to the dignity and humanity of these communities. Discrimination based on sex, gender and sexual orientation violates the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We question the ethical standards of a national newspaper that clearly attempts to stir up transphobic and homophobic hatred by insinuating that children can be corrupted by information on LGBT social history and equity. It behooves the newspaper to print a statement apologizing for this lapse in judgment, and clarifying its editorial stance with respect to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and especially transgender Canadians.
Marianne Smith, LL.B., M.A., B.A. Suzanne Boggild, MHSA, FACHE
Chair of the Board of Directors CEO, Sherbourne Health Centre
On behalf of the Board of Directors, Staff and Physician Group of Sherbourne Health Centre
Sent by:
Suzanne Boggild, MHSA, FACHE
CEO, Sherbourne Health Centre
Phone: 416-324-4158
Email: sboggild@sherbourne.on.ca
CC:
Hon. Bob Rae, Member of Parliament, Toronto Centre
Hon. Glen Murray, Member of Provincial Parliament, Toronto Centre
Pam McConnell, Toronto City Councillor
Ward 28, Toronto Centre-Rosedale
Hon. Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Education, Government of Ontario
Hon. Deb Matthews, Minister of Health, Government of Ontario
Chris Bolton, Chair of the Board
Toronto District School Board
The Toronto Star
Michael Cooke, Editor
John D. Cruickshank, Publisher
Globe and Mail
Phillip Crawley, Publisher and CEO
John Stackhouse, Editor-in-Chief
NOW Magazine
Alice Kline, Editor-in-Chief
Michael Hollett, Editor-in-Chief
XTRA!
Matt Mills, Editor-in-Chief
Barbara Hall, Chief Commissioner
Ontario Human Rights Commission
Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario