Post-election fall-out and recovery: Checking in on members of Saskatchewan’s Queer community
By Danaya Stevenson
Queer people have always existed, albeit in small numbers, and Saskatchewan is home to a variety of unique, beautiful queer individuals. Following a Canadian federal election that tracked into LGBTQ+ issues, CFNU News wanted to check in with some Queer locals.
A 2021 Canadian Census has found that one per cent of all marriages and relationships reported in Saskatchewan include same-gender, transgender and non-binary couples. Similarly, transgender and non-binary gendered people aged 15 and over made up a very small minority in an overall report of gender identity.
While these numbers are relatively small, these people are a part of our families, our friend networks and communities.
“I don’t feel a lot of homophobia from others when I walk in public with my girlfriend,” said D.G., a Filipino student currently attending the University of Regina. “The only instances I’ve felt uncomfortable being Queer was the judgement from my own cultural community. For me, it’s much more open here compared to when I lived in the Philippines.”
That said, D.G. acknowledges the growing homophobic sentiment she’s been experiencing while watching local, national and international news coverage.
“The election has affected me mentally, especially when listening to how conservative politicians and followers would talk about Queer people and women. It was upsetting.”
At one point, she heard a rumour that same-sex marriage rights would be taken away. “Hearing these statements alone made me sad, because all I really want to do is marry my girlfriend,” she said.
D.G. expressed how it’s tough to experience anti-gay sentiment and worry about future legislation, but chose to remain strong during it all.
“What’s the use of consistently feeling depressed over politics when I can try and do something about it? Even if it’s not much, I always try to vote and advocate for my rights,” she said.
For Mak, who is non-binary and recently moved here from British Columbia, Saskatchewan has been a welcome surprise.
“Unfortunately, Saskatchewan gets a bad reputation for being less accepting, but living here now, I do feel very accepted, and I can tell there is a good community here,” they said.
In Mak’s ideal world, their identity would be seen and respected just as any other. “I’m not uncomfortable telling people my identity, but I’m uncomfortable with the change that comes with it. I don’t want people to treat me any differently,” they said.
In addition to their non-binary gender identity, Mak is also in a same-sex relationship that they wish would no longer bring stigma.
“Someone I work with found out I was dating a woman, and while he wasn’t uncomfortable, I can see how he’s trying so hard to be accepting,” Mak said. “If I was in a heteronormative relationship, there wouldn’t be this awkwardness when talking about my personal life.”
Elections and political events are often stressful times for everyone, especially when the topic of identity is sensitive. Taking these experiences into account, and understanding the uniqueness and complexity found in Queer people, is a crucial part of the story.