October 29, 2018
Fredericton – The New Brunswick Women’s Council has released a second set of findings from its public engagement initiative, Resonate. The data being shared today focuses on individuals belonging to gender minorities in New Brunswick.
“While the main focus of Resonate was women, both trans and cisgender, we also wanted to hear from individuals belonging to gender minorities who aren’t women,” said Jennifer Richard, council co-chair. “Individuals who belong to gender minorities, whether or not they are women, face challenges rooted in gender-based inequality and including them in Resonate only strengthens this initiative.”
Gender minorities include individuals who are trans, non-binary, agender, genderqueer, Two-Spirit, and more.
Throughout a five-month engagement process, the council heard from more than 1 400 New Brunswickers, including nearly 100 individuals who opted to complete the survey focused on gender minorities, and more than 35 organizations and initiatives. Today’s release follows a previous publication of findings from surveys and discussion groups focused on women. In the coming weeks, the council will also share information gathered from organizations that work with and advocate for women.
Through Resonate, four priority issues emerged for individuals belonging to gender minorities in New Brunswick: education, awareness and acceptance; health care; economic security and employment; and discrimination based on gender identity.
“Through Resonate, we see how these priority issues have ripple effects through many aspects of individual lives and how they are interconnected and mutually reinforcing,” said Jody Dallaire, council co-chair. “We want to thank the individuals who participated in Resonate for trusting us with their stories, their priorities, and their ideas.”
Findings from Resonate are being shared on a microsite. The site explores themes under each priority issue, shares stories and commentary from participants, and provides demographic information on participants.
The council will continue to work with the findings of Resonate and use the results to inform its work and mandate of providing advice and recommendations to government and bringing public awareness to these and other issues.
The New Brunswick Women’s Council is an independent advisory body on women’s equality issues.
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Media contact: Beth Lyons, Executive Director, New Brunswick Women’s Council, 506-462-5142 [email protected]