Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean
and Yukon NDP Leader Kate White have issued the following statement:
“As people react to the words and actions from political leaders across North America, the
Yukon Liberal Caucus and the Yukon NDP Caucus would like to reaffirm our mutual and
unwavering support for the Yukon’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community, as well as our shared
commitment to upholding the values of equity and inclusion in the Yukon.
“Gender is a social construct, existing on a spectrum with many diverse identities. We do not
believe it is the place of government to dictate someone’s gender, nor to deny people the basic
rights to live freely as their true self.
“We condemn any and all statements and actions that aim to dismantle policies promoting
diversity, equity and inclusion. We stand united against transphobic and anti-2SLGBTQIA+
rhetoric.
“While we are disappointed that the Yukon Party Caucus chose to not join us in solidarity with
the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, we commit that we will continue our work to create safer, more
inclusive programs, policies and services and to uphold the commitments made in the
Government of Yukon’s 2021 LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan. We also continue our work to
make the Government of Yukon an inclusive, welcoming place to work for people of all
identities.
“We share in the grief and frustration brought on by events that aim to dismantle equity and
progress. We encourage Yukoners in need of support to reach out if they need them, including
the Queer Yukon drop-in spaces, the Health Care Navigator at Queer Yukon, rapid access
counselling at Mental Wellness Substance Use Services, and the Yukon Sexual Health Clinic.
“Despite recent events and public statements that are designed to be turn the clock back on
progress, here in the Yukon, we will never stop our work towards creating a society that is
inclusive and free of discrimination for all.
“To members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, we honour your resilience, determination, and
contributions to the Yukon. Please know that we stand beside you and will always advocate for
your rights, promote inclusive policies and laws, and work collaboratively with all Yukoners for a
brighter, more inclusive Yukon.”
Media contact
Jordan Owens
Director of Communications, Yukon Liberal Caucus
867-332-0615
jordan.owens@yukon.ca
Laurie Tritschler, Yukon NDP Caucus Communications Lead
867-687-0284
laurie.tritschler@yla.gov.yk.ca
