Saskatchewan first to raise transgender flag at legislative building

“I think the transgender flag being the first in Canada is symbolic of where we need to go in Saskatchewan,” Schultz said.

Schultz said Saskatchewan still is lagging behind other provinces, but there is progress. Transgender people are still trying to have their own gender markers listed on official documents including driver’s licences and birth certificates. Schultz says they are also working to improve education and resources for medical professionals to help provide appropriate care for transgender people.

Stephanie Cox also spoke at the flag raising ceremony. She noted that it is sometimes difficult for her to focus on the positive steps forward rather than the negative side.

“It’s symbolic of how far we’re coming in society,” she said.

“So far transgender have been treated with disdain by a lot of the world. It’s so scary even coming out for a lot of people.

“We don’t feel like we can come out into public space. A lot of people are hiding in their own houses and they spend their entire lives like that.”

Cox recalled her first time going out in public as a transgender woman.

“It’s terrifying,” she said.

“The first time I tried to come out I had painted nail polish on my fingers and it was terrifying.

“I went out to a restaurant and people were staring at me and when I went home I immediately just took it all off with rubbing alcohol.”

For her, seeing the flag at the legislature is reassuring because it is a sign of progress.

“Transgender people get harassed, insulted, threatened and physically assaulted in public,” she said.

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by Adriana Christianson

Saskatchewan first to raise transgender flag at legislative building

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