Athletics Canada Shines Spotlight on Transgender Day of Visibility

As the world recognizes International Transgender Day of Visibility, it is important not only to mark the day, but to take this occasion for reflection and accountability for the past, and action and allyship in the future.

“It’s about spotlighting all trans individuals. The hardships we face, the victories we drive, and the contributions we are making to society in being ourselves,” said trans male para athlete Ness Murby. “We’re trans. We exist every day and we are enough. Trans rights are human rights. It’s a reminder that there is enough space for all of us, and that’s why it’s important.”

Murby came out publicly as trans in November and his pronouns are he/him. As one of the few publicly trans para athletes currently competing, he has used his voice to advocate for trans individuals. “I didn’t come out intending to be someone leading the way,” he said. “What I’ve come to recognize over the past five months is that I have a position of privilege, being a top athlete in the world and that privilege affords me a voice that may be heard.”

“We have come a long way on diversity and inclusion in the past couple of years, but acknowledge we still have some way to go,” said David Bedford, Athletics Canada’s Chief Executive Officer.  

 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Athletics Canada

Athletics Canada created its first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee in 2019 and issued the organization’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy in July 2020. The next iteration of that policy will be coming soon, with the help of expert Dr. Heather Hillsburg.

The DEI Committee will also build a strategy around delivering DEI workshops for the Athletics Canada Board, staff and athletes to facilitate their training in this important area.

 

The Importance of Pronouns

One small way to be an ally is to treat a person’s pronouns with the care and respect they deserve.

“Pronouns cannot be assumed or perceived. We don’t know until they’ve told us,” said Murby. “To make any such assumptions is to validate disrespect and runs the risk of being harmful.”

Think of an individual’s pronouns the way you would treat their name. You wouldn’t know it, until they tell you.

Athletics Canada leadership supports staff publicly declaring their personal pronouns in email signatures, on social media, or however they are comfortable. In a memo distributed today, Bedford included this personal excerpt from Murby’s post on TOUGHERthan, with his permission:

Using a person’s pronouns is one of the smallest ways to acknowledge a person’s identity and yet doing so has one of the most profound impacts.

For me, being referred to as “he” has always felt right. Each time it happened I grew a little more confident, stood that bit taller, and felt seen. At the age of 6, telling my gran “a husband and a father” in response to the age old “what do you want to be when you grow up?” question. At the age of 8, having the Hong Kong store owner begin sizing me “correctly” for my boys school uniform (for just a moment, me). At every one of my barber shops whether Australia, Japan, Canada or between. At every age. Now. Today. Right here. This moment. Every moment. Being referred to as “he” is who I am and who I always have been — that is how you should refer to me. 

 

Going Forward as Allies

There remains more work to be done to make Athletics Canada a space that feels truly safe for everyone, regardless of gender, identity, race, or sexual attraction. Through Athletics Canada’s DEI Committee work, and through communications with athletes like Murby, Athletics Canada leadership has benefited greatly from the insights provided to it.

“We support Ness in all facets of his life. As a person, we are in awe of the courage he has displayed by simply being himself publicly. As an advocate, we echo everything he has told us about trans rights, and the importance of true inclusivity. As an athlete, we want to do everything in our power to help him achieve his Paralympic goals,” said Bedford.  “All members of our sport should feel safe to live their lives as they chose to. It is our responsibility to make sure everyone associated with our sport feels safe and supported!”

As Athletics Canada continues its work as an ally, Murby includes advice for the important work ahead. “Get used to correcting each other and being corrected,” said Murby. “Assumptions and ego have no place in allyship. We have to come from a place of listening and learning to become better allies. Being corrected comes with that feeling of negativity and not measuring up. But correcting is just learning and growing, and just becoming a better version of ourselves with added information.”

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