Dear friends,
After leaving my home in Tunisia for Canada, I thought life would be so much better. In Tunisia, being transgender can get you ridiculed, beaten, or arrested. But here in Quebec, I find myself still living in fear of discrimination and violence.
Quebec is the only province in Canada that won't let transgender people like me change their name or gender until they're accepted as a Canadian citizen, which can take up to 7 years.
Whenever I pick up mail from the post office or take out money from the bank, I'm forced to out myself and show my ID. I never know how people will react, if I'll be discriminated against or even be able to stay safe.
It's as if I don't exist. This strong and sophisticated woman isn't on my ID. Not yet, at least.
Right now, a bill is being considered by the Quebec legislator that would allow trans migrants to change the gender identity on their ID without having to wait for citizenship.
We need as much global support from people like you as we can get. As of right now, there's absolutely NO mention of transgender migrants in our government's official plan for 2018 and 2019.
These last few months of the year are our last chance to get this bill passed!
I remember when I left Tunisia, my mother asked me why I was leaving for a Western country. This incredibly painful choice had nothing to do with leaving my family and my life behind. I was hoping to find a home where I could truly be accepted and live freely as the woman I am.
With your help, I can move one step closer to that reality.
Thanks for going All Out,
Dalia Tourki
Trans migrant rights advocate
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