Being Safe, Being Me 2019: Results of the Canadian Youth Trans and Non-binary Health Survey is a national study by SARAVYC that builds on a similar survey conducted by SARAVYC in 2014. Similar to the survey in 2014, this survey was available for young people to take in English or French and surveyed a range of topics including gender identity, access to gender-affirming care and physical health.
In 2019, 57 trans and/or non-binary youth in the Prairie Provinces took the survey. Of the youth in Prairie Provinces who took part in the survey, 16% identified as Indigenous and 95% were born in Canada. The majority of trans and/or non-binary youth in the Prairie Provinces reported that they are living in their felt gender full-time (41%) or part-time (44%). Some youth, however, are never living in their felt gender (15%).
Key findings for youth in Prairie Provinces
- 87% have experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation
- 94% have an emotional or mental health concern that has lasted at least 12 months
- 66% of youth do not usually feel safe in school washrooms
Recommendations for Prairie Provinces
- Gender neutral washrooms in school are integral to the safety and dignity of trans and/or non-binary youth.
- Competent, accessible and low-cost mental and emotional health services for trans and/or non-binary youth.
- Decrease public transphobia and homophobia through public education campaigns. Law enforcement should take reports of homophobia and transphobia seriously.
