Sexuality and Gender Politics in Canada and Québec: Psychological Perspectives

Sexuality and Gender Politics in Canada and Québec

Introduction

This study guide explores the psychological and sociopolitical dimensions of sexuality and gender in Canada and Québec, focusing on terminology, historical developments, intercommunity tensions, and contemporary policy issues. The material is relevant to psychology students, especially in areas such as social psychology, developmental psychology, psychological disorders, and health psychology.

Part 1: Terminology, History & Intercommunity Tensions

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Genderbread Person Model: A visual tool illustrating the distinctions between gender identity, gender expression, biological sex, and attraction (sexual and romantic). This model helps clarify the spectrum of identities and orientations within the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

• LGBTQIA2S+: Acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit and other identities.

• Sexual Orientation: Refers to patterns of emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to others.

• Gender Identity: One's internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere along the gender spectrum.

• Gender Expression: The external presentation of gender through behavior, clothing, voice, and other characteristics.

• Biological Sex: Physical characteristics (chromosomes, hormones, reproductive organs) typically categorized as male or female.

Politicization of Sexual Diversity

• Making Abominations: The 'politics of disgust' (Nussbaum, 2010) refers to how certain identities are stigmatized or deemed 'abnormal' in society.

• Homonormativity: The assimilation of LGBTQ+ identities into mainstream, neoliberal norms, often privileging cisgender and heteronormative standards (Duggan, 2002).

• Homonationalism: The use of LGBTQ+ rights as a marker of 'civilizational competency,' sometimes weaponized to justify exclusion or discrimination against racialized groups (Puar, 2007, 2013).

• Weaponization: Refers to neo-colonial practices such as 'pinkwashing,' where LGBTQ+ rights are used to mask other forms of oppression.

Two-Track Citizenship: Comparing LGBQ & TGD Public Policies in Québec

This concept highlights the differential treatment of LGBQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer) and TGD (Transgender, Gender Diverse) individuals in public policy over time.

Decade	LGBQ-State Relations	TGD-State Relations
1960s	Marginalization (Non-Citizen)	Ungovernmentality (Non-Citizen)
1970s	Toleration (Second Class Citizen)	Toleration (Second Class Citizen)
1980s	Legitimation (Second Class Citizen)	Legitimation (Second Class Citizen)
2000s	Legitimation (Second Class Citizen)	Legitimation (Second Class Citizen)
2010s	Full Acceptance (Model Citizen)	Legitimation (Second Class Citizen)
2020s	Full Acceptance (Model Citizen)	Legitimation (Second Class Citizen)

Additional info: This table demonstrates the lag in policy acceptance for TGD individuals compared to LGBQ individuals, reflecting ongoing systemic barriers.

Part 2: Contemporary LGBTQ+ Politics in Canada and Québec

A Decade of CAQ Policy

• Policy Timeline: Recent years have seen fluctuating support and opposition to gender markers, conversion therapy, and family recognition in Québec. Key events include the support for Bill 35 (surgery), proposals for Bill 70 (conversion), and the renewal of action plans to combat LGBTQ+ discrimination.

• Social Tensions: There is ongoing tension between socially conservative politics and the legacy of the Quiet Revolution, impacting the rights and recognition of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Institutional Allyship

• Policy Development: Québec has implemented one policy (2009) and three action plans (2011-2016, 2017-2022, 2023-2028) aimed at social progress and substantive equality for LGBTQ+ people.

• Innovative Features: These policies integrate civil society, address violence, and foster mutual influence between state and community.

• Challenges: There is no formal evaluation of policy effectiveness, and debates persist between assimilation and liberation approaches.

Healthcare Self-Advocacy

• Cultural Competency: Access to healthcare and physician training are critical for LGBTQ+ individuals. There is pressure to 'pass' and concerns about the weaponization of detransitioner narratives.

• Gender-Affirming Care: Despite medical consensus, misinformation persists, making access challenging.

• HIV/AIDS: Advances in testing and antiretroviral therapy (ART) have led to the concept of 'undetectable = untransmissible' ($U=U$), reducing stigma and transmission risk.

• STBBIs: Community-driven medicine (e.g., DoxyPrEP/PEP) and emerging issues like monkeypox are relevant to LGBTQ+ health.

• Growing Older: Long-term care presents unique challenges, including the risk of returning to the closet due to stigma.

Conversion "Therapy" Practices

• SOGIECE: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity/Expression Change Efforts are still practiced, affecting about 10% of LGBTQ2 people in Canada.

• Legislative Patchwork: Recent laws (Bill 70, Bill C-4) have introduced fines, professional sanctions, and criminal code provisions against conversion therapy.

• Ongoing Issues: Support for survivors, unlearning internalized homophobia/transphobia, and capacity to consent to SOGIECE remain challenges.

• TERF Rhetoric: Opposition from trans-exclusionary groups continues to impact policy and community well-being.

Ongoing State Violence

• Criminal Code Provisions: Laws disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ people, especially regarding HIV non-disclosure and sex work.

• HIV Non-Disclosure: Charges can be laid without intent to harm, even when risk is negligible ($U=U$, oral sex, condom use). This perpetuates stigma and can lead to imprisonment.

• Sex Work: Issues of gender, race, and class intersect with legal and social challenges. Sex workers face precarious conditions and lack legal recourse.

Conclusion

The intersection of psychology and public policy is evident in the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in Canada and Québec. Understanding terminology, historical context, and contemporary challenges is essential for promoting equity, health, and social justice in psychological practice and research.