Articles 2020

Today
Today

Introductory Primer to Name and Gender Marker Changes in Ontario

  • November 17, 2023
  • Amy Chen (she/her), Rachel Allen (she/her)

This article is an introductory primer to a lawyer's involvement in assisting individuals with their change of name or change of gender marker applications for Ontario documentation.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law, Student Forum

Prospective Developments in Italian Law Regarding 2SLGBTQ+ Families

  • November 17, 2023
  • Rachel Allen (she/her)

In 2022, Italy elected Giorgia Meloni as prime minister. Meloni ran on a platform that specifically targeted 2SLGBTQ+ parenting rights. The impact of Meloni's election demonstrates the current risk facing 2SLGBTQ+ rights globally.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law, Student Forum
head-shot photo of Gregory Ko

Gregory Ko: SOGIC's Outgoing Chair

  • November 17, 2023
  • Rachel Allen (she/her)

Gregory Ko, the Outgoing Chair of the SOGIC Executive, has used his skills as an advocate to challenge discriminatory policies. Greg's recent cases include representing clients challenging Canadian Blood Services ban on donations from queer men and the Health Canada rule barring gay and bisexual men from donating sperm.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law, Student Forum

Hansman v Neufeld: Counter-Speech and Trans Rights

  • November 17, 2023
  • Rachel Allen (she/her), Amy Chen (she/her)

In 2023, the Supreme Court of Canada considered a defamation case revolving around the public criticism of transphobic and homophobic comments made by a school board trustee. The decision of Hansman v Neufeld emphasized the importance of counter-speech and recognized the trans community is a marginalized group deserving rights and protections under Canadian law.

Education Law, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law, Student Forum
photo of Neha Chugh

Neha Chugh: Addressing Bias Against Trans Communities One Juror at a Time!

  • June 19, 2023
  • Tamara J. Sylvester (they/them)

Recently, the Supreme Court's obiter comments in Chouhan were put to the test. The Ontario Superior Court in R v K.P. granted an application to challenge prospective jurors for cause on the ground that they may be biased against transgender individuals in the community of Cornwall. The lawyer behind the compelling application was Ontario’s very own Neha Chugh. Chugh, who practises criminal, family and child protection law in Eastern Ontario, is no stranger to the spotlight or commendation.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law, Student Forum

Our Families, Our Laws: the role three incredible lawyers played in expanding parental recognition to include 2SLGBTQ families

  • June 13, 2023
  • Kirsti Mathers McHenry (she/her)

I sat down with Joanna Radbord, Kelly Jordan, and Shirley Levitan, three lawyers who were instrumental in developing the All Families Are Equal Act, to talk about how the Act has helped 2SLGBTQ families. Experts in 2SLGBTQ family formation and the laws governing it, they have dedicated their legal practices to understanding and evolving the definition of family in Ontario. For decades, they have helped families navigate legal mazes to secure appropriate recognition for 2SLGBTQ families.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law, Student Forum

Conversion Therapy Ban in Canada: a year in review

  • May 31, 2023
  • Jose Garcia-Bonilla

Conversion therapy has been banned in Canada for just over one year. When the ban was introduced, it was heralded as a historic win in protecting 2SLGBTQ+ communities and was generally well-received by the public and advocacy groups. This article provides background information surrounding the criminalization of conversion therapy in Canada and explores some of the criticisms of the ban one year after its implementation.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law, Student Forum
photo of Sebastian Commock

A Place to Belong: justice for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities

  • February 24, 2023
  • Kirsti Mathers McHenry (she/her)

The 519 has been a beacon for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities for decades. Offering programs, space, and leadership, The 519 supports and cultivates our communities in myriad ways. Many of us have attended parties, workshops, planning sessions, and lectures at The 519. As Sebastian Commock (he/him), manager of legal initiatives at The 519, says, it’s a place that “feels like home – a place I belong.”

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law, Student Forum
Head-shot photo of David Alli

David Alli: A Beacon for Future Black Legal Professionals

  • February 23, 2023
  • Tamara J. Sylvester (one/they/them)

We’ve already made history; the Black community’s contribution to Canadian society is undeniable and indelible. The focus is on the future and ensuring that Black futures are bright. David S. Alli, Ontario’s first Black Queer legal partner, signals a new dawn, a new day, and a new light for Black students and lawyers aspiring to the upper echelons of the legal profession.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law, Student Forum