10/20/2024
Please take a moment to read this!!!
For Immediate Release
October 16, 2024
New Brunswick Transgender Health Network Condemns Disinformation Campaign Endangering 2SLGBTQI+ Youth
[Fredericton, NB] – Physicians working in pediatrics, primary care, endocrinology and emergency medicine, social workers, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, and community advocates across the traditional and unceded territories of Wolastoqiyik, Mi’kmaq, and Peskotomuhkati Peoples (also known by the colonial name of New Brunswick) are deeply concerned about a recent disinformation campaign targeting vulnerable youth in our communities. Flyers have been distributed to households across New Brunswick spreading false and harmful narratives about gender-affirming healthcare and 2SLGBTQI+ youth in schools. These flyers put vulnerable youth at further risk of harm.
The New Brunswick Transgender Health Network was established in 2011 as a forum for healthcare providers to provide gender-affirming care to patients in New Brunswick. We unequivocally condemn the deliberate spread of disinformation that mischaracterizes the nature of life saving, gender-affirming healthcare. These fear-mongering tactics are not only misleading but dangerous, particularly to transgender youth who are already at higher risk for mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, and su***de. This targeted campaign undermines the work of healthcare providers, teachers, advocates, and families who strive to support the well-being of gender diverse people across the lifespan.
The claims made in these flyers distort the facts about gender-affirming care. Gender-affirming care is safe. It is evidence-based and endorsed by leading Canadian medical organizations such as the Canadian Pediatric Society, the Canadian Psychological Association, the Canadian Association of Social Workers & Canadian Association for Social Work, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the Canadian Medical Association, and the Canadian Public Health Association.
Contrary to the claims in these flyers, parents play an essential and active role in their children's healthcare decisions. Gender-affirming care decisions are made in collaboration with families, youth, and healthcare providers in a supportive, individualized process. Disinformation campaigns like these contribute to stigma, bullying, and isolation, worsening the mental health crisis facing many 2SLGBTQI+ youth. Research consistently shows that affirming a young person’s gender reduces the risk of depression and su***de.
We are particularly alarmed that this disinformation campaign calls for the banning of gender-affirming care which is in direct opposition to evidence-based standards of care supported by Canadian associations and licensing bodies for physicians and allied healthcare providers. We know that disinformation attacking gender-affirming care is on the rise and that another province has committed to banning this evidence-based healthcare for youth. We also know that anti-trans legislation significantly increases suicidality in trans youth. In New Brunswick, it is important that we maintain a healthcare system guided by evidence, not ideology. We must protect the sacrosanct relationship between healthcare providers and their patients, ensuring that everyone has access to the care that they need.
We stand firmly in support of our 2SLGBTQI+ youth, their families, their teachers, and the healthcare professionals dedicated to providing them with the affirming care they deserve. Fear-based rhetoric and disinformation only harm our communities. They attempt to divide us, but we are stronger together. We will continue to advocate for safe, evidence-based, and compassionate healthcare for all.
We call on all residents of New Brunswick to critically evaluate the information they receive and to seek out trusted, evidence-based resources regarding 2SLGBTQI+ healthcare. Harmful, politically motivated disinformation has no place in this province. Our focus should always remain on fostering safe, inclusive environments where every young person can thrive.
For accurate information on transgender healthcare and family support, please refer to reputable resources such as:
• Chroma NB - https://chromanb.ca/
• Alter Acadie NB - https://alteracadienb.ca/
• Imprint Youth Association - https://imprintyouth.ca/
• Egale Canada - https://egale.ca/rainbow-action-hub/ -resources
• Weareallies.ca - https://www.weareallies.ca/
• Rainbow Health Ontario https://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/lgb.../resource-library/
• Trans Care BC - https://www.transcarebc.ca/
Statements by Canadian Medical and Professional Organizations:
Canadian Paediatric Society
https://cps.ca/.../an-affirming-approach-to-caring-for...
• Opposition to bans or restrictions on gender-affirming care for youth:https://cps.ca/.../Gender-affirming_care_in_AB_Public.pdf
Canadian Psychological Association
https://cpa.ca/.../Gender%20Diversity%20Report%20EN...
Canadian Association of Social Workers & Canadian Association for Social Work
https://www.casw-acts.ca/.../joint-statement-affirmation...
College of Family Physicians of Canada
https://www.cfpc.ca/.../cfpc-statement-on-gender...
Canadian Medical Association
https://www.cma.ca/.../cma-strongly-opposes-government...
• Provincial medical associations:
o NLMA - https://nlma.nl.ca/.../nlma-supports-the-ama-call-to.../
o OMA https://www.oma.org/advocacy/oma-policy-positions/
o AMA https://www.albertadoctors.org/.../statement-from-ama...
Canadian Public Health Association
https://cpha.ca/statement-transgender-and-gender-diverse...
New Brunswick Trans Health Network
# # # NB Transgender Health Network
