Human rights settlement turns into $20K donation for Moose Jaw Pride
Group plans to support transgender people in rural communities
Moose Jaw Pride received a large donation this week and it all started with one person's fight to change a tiny letter on her government identification.
Laura Budd lives near the town of Kelliher, Sask., where for years she was a farmer, agronomist, and father.
Budd was born male but in 2010, she told her wife that she identified as female. Two years later, she went public with this news.
In 2013, Budd wanted to change her ID to say she was female but her request was denied by eHealth Vital Statistics.
At the time, the government required that persons wanting to change that information had to provide proof from a doctor that they had undergone gender reassignment surgery.
We're really just amazed at how much a single person can accomplish in such a short period of time.- Joe Wickenhauser
Budd said that wasn't acceptable and in 2014, she applied again in writing.
"Not having identification that matches your identity and your presentation opens you up to ridicule and discrimination," Budd said.
When she was denied again, Budd took her case to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.
For nearly two years, there were meetings, mediations and investigations until February of 2016 when the provincial government altered its policy.
Now changing the sex on your ID requires a statutory declaration, a letter from a physician or a psychologist, and a small processing fee. You must 18 or older to make this change.
Money for transgender education
According to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, sometimes compensation is awarded in certain situations.
In this case, the Ministry of Health agreed to make a $20,000 donation to a community group working to end transgender discrimination.
Joe Wickenhauser, the executive director of Moose Jaw Pride, said the donation will go to providing support and transgender education, but also help people find their place in their communities.
He said what Budd has accomplished is incredible and courageous.
"We're really just amazed at how much a single person can accomplish in such a short period of time," Wickenhauser said.
Future Plans
Laura Budd now works as a gender and sexual diversity consultant. She said she is happy and feels like a success.
"It's been a six-year process but lifelong to get to here," Budd said.
She plans to continue to work with the government in hopes that in the future, persons of all ages will be able to change their identification like she got the chance to earlier this year.