Fast forward a few years later, I figured out my gender expression and more of myself. I’m an openly queer, trans, nonbinary person. Living in Peterborough being this person can be difficult. Surveys, forms, sports, dances classes and groups are still heavily gendered. Where do you go when you are in between? This town is isolating, and I am still faced with bullying downtown and at post-secondary. For an example, I started going to the gym about 8 months ago to work on my health. When I go, I get made fun of or often starred at in unwelcoming ways. I had an instance where someone who has starred at me many times kicked a soccer ball at my ankles to try to trip me. Laughing. I kicked the ball to the side because I didn’t know how to react. When I left, I realized it was used as a form of intimidation. Because people like that, don’t want me to be there. When violence or strict exclusionary values are in place, those little comments or looks suddenly grow numb and you have much bigger things to worry about while being in public. Why should I have to watch my back while I walk? Why do I rarely go out at night? Why should I feel like I don’t deserve to be somewhere? Why don’t I feel safe? I think a big misconception of trans people is that we are unwell, depressed or dislike something about our bodies. I tell you, when I’m actually alone with myself and my body, I feel happy and proud to be who I am.

There are many discriminations that I face here but I think the biggest one as a whole is getting jobs in Peterborough. Let’s remember Peterborough jobless rate is 7.5 percent and is tied for the third highest unemployment rate through Statistics Canada. Put being queer, trans and non-binary on top of that. And well, you’ll see how it’s hard to enjoy basic things. I only spend my money on food, rent and a few toiletries a month because that’s all I can afford. Living here with credentials, certificates, years of volunteer and work experience still leaves me without a stable, full time job. I urge the city and employers to do better and know that hiring LGBTQ++ individuals isn’t wrong or going to affect your business. Diversity attracts new ideas and showcases what people with different opinions or lifestyles have to offer. Be safe and kind to each other and know you aren’t alone.

xoxo, Gossip Girl

Queerlines is a column curated by the Trent Queer Collective in the spirit of previous years' Queerlines inserts (also curated and designed by the TQC) in Arthur Newspaper.