When I was 15 years old, a man driving a Chevrolet Silverado accelerated towards me and my friends as we were crossing the road. As we moved aside, he shouted derogatory remarks from his car window.
That statement came from Blake Tait, a local transgender man and an advocate for the trans community in Saskatoon, shortly before the city council recently declared Saskatoon a safe city for the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.
"Being safe seems like a deception, since it truly is," Tait stated.
He mentioned that he has been open about his identity as a transgender man since he was 14 years old, and usually encounters negative situations at least annually.
Tait provided an instance of leaving what turned out to be his most rewarding position because of the hateful comments directed at him by clients. He recounted receiving numerous death threats, as well as sharing an incident where individuals hurled ice and derogatory terms at his companions at a bar merely days ago.
Following Tait’s request for Saskatoon to be declared a sanctuary city, the municipal council decided to label it as a safe city. City administrators and councillors had reservations regarding the potential consequences of labeling Saskatoon as a sanctuary city; therefore, they sought a middle ground through the safer alternative of a safe city designation.
OPPONENTS QUESTION ‘SAFE’ DESIGNATION
Tait and numerous other individuals from the transgender and non-binary communities shared their thoughts on Wednesday, expressing worries that the concept of a "safe city" has a significantly different meaning compared to that of a "sanctuary city."
"I have witnessed and experienced the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments in this city numerous times, far too many to recount at present," stated Eli Hartman.
Hartman expressed appreciation for the concept behind the designation, yet stated that additional efforts were necessary for Saskatoon to truly earn such recognition.
They mentioned working with children and aiming to establish a secure environment for them; however, individuals still struggle to feel comfortable expressing their true selves because of prevailing societal views.
I often worry that people might see my role involving children and choose not to send their kids to the programs and classes I lead if I express myself more openly or loudly than someone wearing a lanyard displaying my pronouns.
Hartman mentioned that even something as basic as a children’s book has led parents to assert that these programs intend to indoctrinate their kids.
Niko Nelson, who serves as the vice chair of the non-profit Gender Queer Coffee Club in Saskatoon, mentioned that their organization aims to establish safe havens for individuals from the gender-diverse community.
Nelson mentioned they too have children, noting that their offspring went through Saskatoon Public Schools and were required to share information about a holiday observed by their family.
Nelson stated, 'He opted for pride,'.
The project was handed in punctually; however, Nelson mentioned that the presentation couldn't proceed since the terms "nonbinary" and "transgender" were utilized to characterize the colors of the pride flag, which he deemed unsuitable for a Grade 1 classroom.
Councilor Robert Pearce stated that the designation addresses safety concerns, a matter he was deeply passionate about.
“I may not share the same fears, but I definitely relate to the desire for security,” Pearce stated.
Councillor Jasmin Parker stated that the designation serves as less of an announcement and more of a pledge, emphasizing that it will place emphasis on such initiatives.
“We will continue to create policy that actively supports the community and makes the community safer,” Parker said, adding that this was a first step and not a finish line.
MAYOR SAYS CITY IS ATTEMPTING TO CONVEY 'CRUCIAL INFORMATION': TRYNNIANA
Mayor Cynthia Block stated her aim for every member of the community to experience visibility, auditory recognition, and safety, emphasizing that these elements should form the base. She further noted that although this classification might hold a symbolic value, it conveys an important message.
"I believe we're aiming to convey a crucial message to our city, our province, and all those who call this land their home; we share a duty and responsibility towards each other," Block stated.
"I'm feeling frustrated," Tait stated following the meeting.
He said people from the trans and nonbinary community showed up and expressed concern about the designation, but the city went through with the designation regardless.
Although numerous council members mentioned that they understood our concerns and empathized with us, they ultimately supported a motion which we believed did not properly reflect the views of our community.
Tait mentioned that he intentionally opted for the phrase sanctuary city.
I truly would have liked for them not to make that designation.
Tait mentioned that he grasps the worries expressed by the city council regarding the precise definition of a sanctuary city, and he was aware that such a designation would entail certain political consequences.
I view these political implications as beneficial overall for transgender and non-binary people in this city, within this province, and throughout the nation.
Tait mentioned that serving as a pioneering sanctuary city could provide an avenue for individuals to oppose what he believes are detrimental policies enacted by governments such as the Saskatchewan Party.
He stated that maintaining the status of this as a safe city must happen immediately, and emphasized that both transgender and non-binary individuals should stay informed about developments in local political affairs.
I hope that (the city) collaborates with Saskatoon Pride. I can assure you that Saskatoon Pride will make contact. However, I believe we shouldn't be the ones initiating outreach... the city should have contacted us prior to this recognition.
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