Collaborative Proposal Creation

@Shel -- again, I very much appreciate your perspective and your commitment to upholding our core Green values of respect and inclusivity. It’s clear you have a well-thought-out viewpoint on the nuances of sex, gender, and societal roles. Allow me to address some areas where our perspectives may differ, particularly regarding gender as a concept and the motivations and experiences of transgender people.

Firstly, while “man” and “woman” indeed have roots in denoting biological sex, both language and social norms evolve. Language reflects how people perceive and communicate about their experiences. Gender, distinct from biological sex, encompasses roles, behaviours, and identities that people associate with being male, female, or outside these categories (i.e. non-binary). Many trans individuals distinguish between biological sex and gender to articulate the unique and deeply personal experience of living in a society where gendered expectations influence daily life.

You mention that aspects of the trans movement feel “regressive and homophobic,” possibly rooted in fears around homosexuality. However, there is little actual evidence that individuals transition due to discomfort with their sexual orientation. Plenty of research clearly suggests that being transgender is a distinct experience from sexual orientation, and the majority of those who transition do so to align with their internal sense of gender, not to conform to external pressures about sexuality.

Regarding parents’ roles in their children’s gender expression, studies also indicate that most parents seek support and guidance to understand and affirm their children rather than coercing them into transitioning. Medical and psychological guidelines emphasize gradual approaches, focusing on non-invasive support (such as social transition or counselling) until the child reaches an age where informed consent for medical interventions becomes possible.

You also bring up the 1970s liberation from “sex role stereotyping,” which is a sentiment many share. However, part of what the trans movement advocates for today is a continuation of this liberation—allowing people to express and embody the traits that feel authentic, free from societal expectations tied to biological sex. Transgender identities expand this by recognizing that gendered experiences are significant to many people’s sense of self and dignity.

Lastly, words like “man” and “woman” are not exclusively tied to biology alone but are much broader, more flexible terms that hold personal meaning for many. Respecting this can lead to a more inclusive society where individuals feel seen and valued for who they are, even if their identities do not align with traditional understandings. Traditional understandings can and do change/evolve, after all. For example, we no longer use the medieval “four humours” (blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile) as the foundation for health and medicine, now do we?

Thank you, Blake, your argument does elucidate better much or your concern and I do appreciate that.
However, I respectfully disagree in the means of how to achieve the goals of your stated intention.

Words have meaning. "Man and Woman" denote biological sex which I know is way more complicated than a binary understanding, and there exist other words to describe the diversity of other folks' realities.

Gender, a concept I question, believing us all to be "non-binary" within that construct, having and expressing a wide range of traits that traditionally had been glommed together into false categories of masculine and feminine. In the 70's progressive society seemed to have liberated itself from much of "Sex Role Stereotyping"; which I thought was a great freeing process. And, there was a flourishing of non-hetereo Sexual Orientation remedying much Homophobia and Biphobia, where Lesbians, Gay Men, and Bisexuals were more openly accepted, and legislated protections Charter Human Rights related to Orientation; leading up to the normalizing of Same Sex Relations and Marriage.

Much of the Trans Movement strikes me as regressive and Homophobic where fear of living as a homosexual, fear of persecution as a homosexual, or internalized hatred of one's homosexuality lead one to transition to live as another sex to avoid their nascent homosexuality. I see parents so horrified at the prospect of their son or daughter becoming a Gay or Lesbian that they encourage their children to irrevocably harm themselves chemically &/or surgically to alter their body to appear as another sex. And children have not the developmental capacity for informed consent.

Yes, some Adults are genuine trans persons and can choose to live and express AS another sex, and the words developed for that are transwoman and transman, but their actual sex has not changed. A man may be a transwoman and a woman may be transman. Or some variation along the continuum, all of which imho seems unnecessary as they can each be as "feminine or masculine" or none of those old fashioned trait compilation as they choose or discover themselves to be, and still be protected by Human Rights, and deserve respect on the grounds of their Humanity.

For instance, what could be more feminine for a woman than to be strong, athletic, assertive, bold, loves wearing comfortable flexible clothes, adventurous, or likewise masculine for a man, or any intersex variation. We no longer need to be restricted to 50's-style sex role stereotypes. Be a man who loves to wear a dress and loves (& seeks sex with) other men or women or both or none, if that's who you are; likewise for any woman, or anyone else.

But, PLEASE, do not use the word "man or woman" to describe some option within a constructed category called Gender.

@Shel - I really appreciate your openness to this conversation and your willingness to explore different perspectives. I understand your concern about balancing effective messaging with values that resonate widely with the Canadian electorate, especially since we’re all aiming to create a broad, welcoming tent that supports diverse voices and perspectives.

When it comes to affirming trans individuals, the phrase “trans men are men; trans women are women” goes beyond just legal protections—it speaks directly to dignity and recognition. While legal rights are essential, they’re often just the baseline for inclusion. Without the clear, explicit acknowledgment of their identities, many trans people can feel that their true selves are either misunderstood or invalidated, even when the law protects them on paper. This is especially relevant when we think about social environments where acceptance and understanding might lag behind formal protections. Environments which I'd assert definitely exist for trans people today.

The statement isn’t about insisting on biological transformation or physical characteristics; rather, it’s about affirming the reality of gender as something beyond biology—a recognition of each person’s lived experience and personal identity. This affirmation can be profoundly validating for trans individuals who, for much of their lives, may face skepticism, hostility, erasure, or discrimination simply for existing as who they are.

In this sense, including this statement is a way for us, as a party, to publicly and unambiguously commit to honouring everyone’s identity fully. It's a reminder that our commitment to inclusion isn’t just legalistic; it’s deeply human and empathetic. By standing firm in this language, we’re fostering a culture of respect, not just within the party but as a statement to Canadian society as a whole. And that explicit, unequivocal respect will definitely wins us more votes, I think.

I hope this sheds some light on why this phrase holds so much importance for many members and allies.

The statement 'trans men are men; trans women are women' is a reaffirming statement in support of our trans and questioning family, friends, and neighbours - nothing more. There is nothing here that changes laws, it is simply reflecting our view as a political party and movement.

Shel, I very much understand your concerns about making sure every voice is heard, and it’s clear that you’re approaching this issue from a place of wanting the best for the party and its candidates. I can see how the visibility of your dissent is particularly important to you, not just as a procedural matter but because you feel it would create a more open, well-rounded discussion. Transparency is crucial in any democratic process, especially when it comes to proposals as impactful as this one.

However, I’d also like to encourage a perspective that centres true empathy for those whose lives are directly shaped by these affirmations. The statement “trans men are men; trans women are women” isn’t just a rhetorical phrase or slogan; it’s a fundamental acknowledgment that can have profound implications for the dignity and safety of transgender people. For many, the political sphere often feels inhospitable, even hostile, and seeing their identities explicitly affirmed can be a lifeline in the face of widespread misunderstanding and discrimination.

While I again hear your point about making this proposal more broadly acceptable, I believe that sometimes, holding onto principles that affirm our most marginalized members isn’t about provoking; it’s about standing in solidarity. This doesn’t mean dismissing valid dissent but rather elevating a shared commitment to inclusivity and respect—values our party strives to uphold.

Perhaps the way forward could be a balanced approach, where every perspective, including your dissent, is fully visible and heard, while also keeping a strong, unequivocal affirmation for transgender individuals as part of the proposal. This way, we remain true to the principles of transparency you champion while staying firmly aligned with our commitment to a just and inclusive society.