In observance of the International Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31), the CBA is proud to launch its training on Understanding Gender Diversity and Inclusion. This training module responds to recommendations from the CBA’s Access to Justice for Trans People Report (recommendations 11-19). It is designed to equip legal professionals with essential knowledge and practical tools to foster inclusivity in their practice.
This engaging and self-paced module explores five key areas:
- Language, Definitions, and Principles – Understanding 2SLGBTQIA+ terminology, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE).
- Transphobia in Canada – Recognizing the systemic barriers that trans and gender-diverse people face in society and in the legal system.
- Access to Justice – Identifying how discrimination limits access to legal and social services.
- Implementing Change – Practical steps legal professionals can take to create safer, more inclusive spaces.
- Intersectionality and Allyship – Exploring the role of allies and how multiple identities impact access to justice.
Presented by members of the CBA Gender Diversity Advisory Group, this module is complemented by a newly developed infographic on sexual and gender identity and a set of recommended best practices to further support legal professionals in their work.
This self-paced training is open to lawyers, judges, law students, and legal professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of gender diversity and enhance their ability to serve trans and gender-diverse clients with respect and competence.
SPEAKERS
- Lee Nevens (they/them)
- Chair, Gender Diversity Advisory Committee of the Canadian Bar Association
- Senior Counsel, Department of Justice Canada
- The Honourable Judge Kael McKenzie (he/him)
- Judge, Provincial Court of Manitoba
- Marie-Laure Leclercq (she/her)
- Intellectual Property Counsel, De Grandpré Chait, Montreal
- Commissioner, Quebec Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission
- Samantha Peters (they/she)
- Member, Gender Diversity Advisory Committee of the Canadian Bar Association
- Principal Lawyer & Founder, Black Femme Legal (Toronto, 2020)
