An advocacy group for transgender, non-binary and Two-Spirit (2S/TNB) people are calling on the BC government for better legislation and supports on Trans Day of Visibility.
The Society for Advocacy and Gender-Affirming Healthcare (SAGAH) wants to see meaningful change for the 2S/TNB community in BC with specific demands for the Province.
First, SAGAH wants to see healthcare coverage and access expanded to meet international standards, as well as the reverse of imminent cuts to surgical pathways.
SAGAH points specifically to the fact that there are just two surgeons available in BC through the Gender Surgery Program (GSP), and those two surgeons have long wait times.
Furthermore, where BC residents used to have access to a Quebec-based program through the GrS Montreal facility, that pathway has been recently scrapped by the BC government which puts additional pressure on the limited surgeons in British Columbia.
The organization is also calling on the Province to reverse the GrS Montreal pathway closure and commit to further funding for surgeries in the province.
Second, the organization wants to see the Province repeal the harmful Name Act amendment. They say the amendment prevents Indigenous people, 2S/TNB individuals, survivors of violence and sex workers with criminal records from changing their names.
“News of the pathway closure comes on the heels of the legislated ban on name changes for vulnerabilized [sic] trans people who rely on accurate ID to access housing, education, employment, as well as safety and social inclusion in all areas of life,” wrote SAGAH in a media release.
“Activists are calling on the BC government to change course on both fronts and stand up for trans rights in the province.”
In order to get the BC government’s attention, a group of advocates and activists attended the south lawn of the BC legislature on Tuesday, March 31st in protest of these recent limitations to their autonomy.
This protest was held coinciding with the FIFA 2026 celebration on the legislature lawn, but on a different part of the building’s grounds.
Despite the recent changes the government has made to policies impacting 2S/TNB people, Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, made a statement in honour of the achievements this community has contributed to BC.
Blatherwick also revealed that 2026 marks a milestone for the 2S/TNB community.
“This is the first year that BC is officially proclaiming March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility in honour of more than 18,000 transgender, Two-Spirit and non-binary people living in our province,” she said.
“In recognition of the significant contributions of the transgender, non-binary and Two-Spirit people to the province, I am proud to stand firmly with them and to affirm my belief in a British Columbia that values diversity, recognizes strengths and upholds dignity and belonging for all.”
She noted that visibility is important and that everyone benefits from British Columbians having the opportunity to show up as their most authentic selves.
Blatherwick also noted that she recognizes not all 2S/TNB people feel safe to show up in society as their most true-selves.
“Today is also a reminder that not all transgender, Two-Spirit and non-binary people are free to live their lives safely,” she continued.
“Many still face hate and discrimination, and struggle to access the life-saving health care and supports they need.”
Blatherwick concluded by affirming a commitment to the 2S/TNB community to remove systemic barriers, addressing transphobia, delivering inclusive programs and supports and upholding the rights of trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary people.
