Sudbury YWCA shelter question trans woman on her surgical status, refuses her entry

I just got an email forward from one of my mailing lists about an incident of transphobic discrimination at a YWCA shelter that refused entry of a trans woman b/c she wouldn't disclose whether or not she's had surgery already, and they said if she didn't they can't admit her.

WTF >:O

No srsly WTF >:O

JESSICA LARABEE ANNOUNCES HUMAN RIGHTS COMPLAINT CHALLENGING SUDBURY YWCA DISCRIMINATION POLICY

On December 29, 2011, Jessica Larabee filed an application with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario alleging discrimination based on gender identity. Jessica Larabee identifies as a transgender woman. On July 8, 2011, Jessica Larabee contacted the YWCA shelter and was denied accommodations because of her gender identity. Sudbury YWCA asked Jessica inappropriate questions about her genitals. YWCA said "If you can’t provide me with the information, I'm not going to be able to offer you shelter, unfortunately". Sudbury YWCA informed Jessica that they could not accommodate her shelter request unless she had complete sex reassignment surgery. Jessica Larabee recorded the conversation. The conversation is on YouTube.

The goal of the human rights complaint is to educate the community and to have the YWCA receive training on trans issues. Transgender and transsexual people are the most discriminated group in society. Discrimination is a big problem and the YWCA need to be held accountable. The human rights complaint has been filed with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario in Toronto. It challenges that the YWCA discriminated against Jessica Larabee and constitutes a violation of her human rights.

Important links to information about the discrimination incident:

http://fixywcasudbury.blogspot.com/

This is NOT fucking okay >:O There are shelters and services all over that are making an effort to become MORE trans inclusive, and to eliminate any prejudice like this, whether systemic or individual (sometimes individual intake workers just ASSUME the policy of a shelter, which is why shelters need specific trans policies and training, which is part of my RL work) >:O

ARGH >:|

ARGH ARGH ARGH ARGH >:O

I hope she wins in the tribunal and sends a msg to the YWCA (I'm v disappointed in them >:| Or at least that branch representing them. I have had only good experiences with them and being accepted even though they know I'm trans.) and all other shelters that this is NOT FUCKING OKAY. >:O

I haven't had time to listen to all the videos posted b/c I need to get going atm, so I may have more commentary later but this is anger mongering >:|