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Concerns Over Attendance at Moving Trans History Forward Conference Amid Political Climate
The chair of transgender studies at the University of Victoria has expressed apprehension regarding the expected attendance at this year’s Moving Trans History Forward conference. Aaron Devor anticipates a significant decline in participation, predicting a 40% drop from previous years.
Devor attributes this downturn largely to the hesitance of American participants to travel to Canada. This reluctance stems not from fears about entering Canada itself, but rather the anxiety over potential complications when trying to return to the U.S.
He highlighted that an executive order from the Trump administration issued in January has instilled fear within the transgender community. This order stipulates that the federal government recognizes only two immutable sexes—male and female—declaring that their classification is fixed from birth.
This biennial conference, starting Thursday, was initially expected to draw around 500 attendees, based on past events. However, current projections suggest only about 300 will attend, a situation Devor attributes predominantly to fears held by American citizens regarding traveling abroad.
Furthermore, the executive order mandates that all government-issued IDs, including passports and visas, must reflect the holder’s biological sex accurately. This has posed additional challenges for nonbinary individuals seeking identification that aligns with their gender identity.
The Impact on Conference Dynamics
The U.S. State Department’s recent policies have added to this anxiety, as it announced it would cease issuing travel documents with the “X” gender marker, favoring an “M” or “F” marker that matches an individual’s sex at birth.
Devor noted that in light of the current political landscape, trans individuals from the U.S. are significantly more apprehensive about participating in events outside their country due to impending hurdles when they attempt to return.
The conference, running until Sunday, features a diverse array of activists, scholars, and artists from around the globe, with over 100 speakers scheduled for presentations. The event intends to highlight both historical contexts and pressing contemporary issues facing the transgender community on local, national, and global scales.
Among the speakers is American philanthropist Jennifer Pritzker, who provided pivotal funding to establish the transgender studies chair at the University of Victoria. Her participation underscores the ongoing support for transgender issues amid volatile political circumstances.
Immigration attorney Adrienne Smith, also a panelist at the conference, noted that the atmosphere fostered by the Trump administration has perpetuated discrimination and misinformation, leaving individuals in the trans community feeling increasingly vulnerable. She remarked, “While fear has always been a part of our lives, the current environment has magnified that fear.” Smith commended the conference for incorporating virtual attendance options this year, allowing broader participation regardless of geographic constraints.
The inaugural Moving Trans History Forward conference took place in 2014, attracting around 100 activists and researchers. Devor observed that the context surrounding this year’s conference is markedly different, influenced by escalating anti-trans rhetoric and organized opposition. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We face a U.S. president who appears to be intent on erasing transgender identities from public consciousness.”
Smith further highlighted a surge in immigration inquiries from trans individuals seeking refuge in Canada. However, she expressed concern that available immigration options are limited, complicating the path to safety for those seeking to leave the U.S.
Smith concluded by asserting that the intent behind the Trump administration’s policies is clear: to instill fear and discourage trans individuals from engaging in public life and connection through gatherings like this conference. “This strategy is intentional, and unfortunately, it is proving to be effective,” she stated, underscoring the pressing need for solidarity and community within the trans population during these challenging times.
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globalnews.ca