Welcome to another CBA year! The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to leave many of us feeling isolated and disconnected from our communities. However, the LGBTQ2SI communities continue to show resilience and ingenuity by finding ways to connect despite the distance. Over the summer our local branches across the country planned virtual networking, Pride and educational events. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Frances Mahon for their strong leadership of the Section during this difficult time.
Our Section will continue to focus on connecting our communities despite the challenges ahead. As such, our 2021-2022 priorities will include building a national networking and mentorship program as well as continued support for our local branches as they push for connection closer to you. Additionally, the recent federal election provides us with a fresh opportunity to ensure that LGBTQ2SI issues are prioritized by the Government of Canada.
I look forward to working with the Executive Committee to accomplish these goals. In particular, I’m pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside Hossein Moghtaderi, 1st Vice-Chair, and Kyla Lee, Secretary. Here’s to another great year!
Sincerely,
Jonathan Griffith
Chair, CBA Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Community Section
Hero and Ally Awards!
In recognition of their commitment to advancing the cause of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and two-spirited people with the Canadian legal profession, the CBA is proud to announce that Nikki Gershbain and Audrey Boctor have respectively been awarded the SOGIC Hero and Ally Awards! Congratulations!
- Nikki Gershbain’s Hero award recognizes her vocal work for LGBTQ2SI communities, including her work as the National Director of Pro Bono Students Canada and as the Chief Inclusion Officer of McCarthy Tetrault.
- Audrey Boctor’s Ally award comes in the wake of her work as the President of the CBA-Quebec Branch during its 2018-2019 term and, particularly her written and oral advocacy on various LGBTQ2SI issues as well as her work as lead Quebec counsel in the history LGBT Purge class action.
Coffee in the Times of COVID – Bringing Your Whole Self to Work: Lawyering for the LGBTQ2SI Community
Held over five sessions (October 21 – December 16, 2021), join facilitated discussions on issues commonly faced by LGBTQ2SI law students and recently-called lawyers, with the goal of increasing confidence and resiliency, as well as creating opportunities for mentoring and networking.
Space is limited. Learn more and register now!
Advocacy Opportunities
Are you keen to get involved in SOGIC’s law reform advocacy initiatives? The Section’s Advocacy and Policy Committee provides critical input on submissions that address issues touching on health law, criminal law, human rights, privacy, access to justice and more. We’d love to hear from you. Please contact us to express interest and find out more!
Don’t fall behind on your PD
You can search webinars by series to pick the best programs that meet your needs. And be sure to check out the CBA’s new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Series, which is free for CBA members!