MISGENDERING BY POLICE: An Emotional Toll on Trans Individuals

PREAMBLE: On December 27th, 2024, I found myself once again compelled to file another futile official complaint with the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA), in other words, a police complaint, due to an incident involving what I believe to be negligence or possible willful transphobia exhibited by a constable of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS). 

The Specifics: This painful interaction occurred on or around October 3rd, 2024, with constable G. Bonsignore (9888) at 301 St. Paul Street in St. Catharines, ON. The misgendering is documented in the “general occurrence report,” highlighting a concerning lapse in sensitivity and understanding that I felt compelled to address.

HERE WE GO AGAIN

The complaint was sent to LECA two days after I sent Bill Fordy, the Chief of Police for the dreadful Niagara Regional Police Service, an email (December 25th, 2024) expressing my concern and disappointment.

Although I was identified as female (consistent with all of my government ID) during my interview (where I gave my statement to two uniformed constables with the NRPS), and my gender identity and preferred pronouns were explicitly acknowledged, the constable still chose to use incorrect gender pronouns in his official report. 

This discrepancy misrepresented my identity and highlighted a lack of attention to detail in accurately documenting the information.

After examining the incident report and considering the alleged “policies and procedures” that the NRPS claims to have in place to ‘prevent such behaviour,’ it is clear that this act reflects the continue unprofessional conduct and malfeasance within the Service. Furthermore, the repeated misgendering of me on official NRPS documents demonstrates a troubling disregard for the rights and dignity of transgender individuals within our community.

Based on the continuing behaviour over the last six years and the lack of understanding, empathy, training, and supervision, I sincerely believe this misgendering was not accidental. This “oversight” was a deliberate choice to ignore my identity and demonstrate even the most basic, perfunctory respect.

In my LECA complaint, I emphasized that this “lapse” is just the latest incident in a series of events dating back to 2018. Over the past six years, I have had several interactions with NRPS constables and sergeants. During this time, three individuals from the 1-District have willfully or negligently misgendered me, demanded my “dead name,” and filed reports with incorrect information. Their actions were intended to cause me emotional pain, immediate embarrassment, and lasting humiliation.

While I filed a LECA complaint, I am sure of one thing: my complaint will result in the NRPS investigating themselves and, unsurprisingly, finding no wrongdoing in misgendering me. LECA and the NRPS’ Professional Standards Unit are just another system in place to give the illusion of transparency and accountability when, in fact, they serve the opposite: cryptic equivocality and first-rate obfuscation. 

In a recent past complaint, which the police service casually labelled as “unfounded,” I was reassured that the staff at the NRPS is ‘highly trained’ and that ‘policies and procedures exist to prevent officers from exhibiting’ any form of overt or subconscious bias. To use their own words, the Strategic Plan’s objective is to “promote a culture that embraces equity, diversity, and inclusion, which is achieved through ongoing training for members and reducing systemic barriers,” yet once again, we find ourselves facing the same issues.

In my letter to Bill Fordy, which will be ignored and in my LECA complaint, I discussed how transgender individuals face significant challenges when interacting with law enforcement, including discrimination, mistreatment, and fear of further victimization. This will be lost on both the incompetent staff at LECA and the unaccountable, uninterested, and ineffectual command at the NRPS. 

This incident highlights the need for greater sensitivity training, awareness, and accountability within the NRPS. It is unacceptable for members of our police service to contribute to such harmful behaviour, whether through negligence or, as in this case, willful transphobia.

When someone willfully or negligently misgenders another person, it causes significant emotional and psychological harm. Intent is almost secondary. Misgendering invalidates a person’s identity, sending a harmful message that their gender is not worthy of respect or recognition. This can lead to feelings of humiliation, isolation, and anxiety, particularly for transgender and non-binary individuals who already face societal stigmas and discrimination. The repeated experience of misgendering can undermine one’s sense of self-worth and safety, contributing to mental health challenges such as depression, stress, and even suicidal ideation. Beyond the personal impact, it reinforces societal marginalization, perpetuating an environment where discrimination is normalized. In contexts like law enforcement, misgendering can further erode trust between marginalized communities and the institutions meant to protect them, leaving individuals feeling unsafe and unsupported.

The Niagara Regional Police Service has demonstrated a troubling pattern of systemic and institutionalized transphobia, where transgender individuals routinely face mistreatment, disrespect, and a lack of adequate support. Reports of misgendering, discriminatory behaviour, and a failure to address the unique needs of transgender people within the justice system point to deep-rooted biases that are not being adequately challenged or addressed. This pattern is reflective of broader systemic issues, where transphobic attitudes are often dismissed or overlooked, leaving transgender individuals vulnerable to further harm and further eroding trust in law enforcement. Without meaningful reform, including comprehensive training and accountability measures, the Niagara Regional Police Service risks perpetuating an environment where transphobia is allowed to thrive unchecked.

In my letter to Bill and my complaint to LECA, I requested a full investigation and an appropriate response to ensure this constable is accountable for their actions. Additionally, I asked that steps be taken to ensure that all officers within the Niagara Regional Police Service receive comprehensive training on transgender issues, respectful communication, and the importance of safeguarding the rights of vulnerable individuals in our community.

What has become clear to me in my over half a decade of advocacy for better policing in Niagara is that the old boy’s club is rooted, and the queer and trans community in Niagara will continue to be victimized by these obtuse police officers and arcane policies.

Let’s see what comes of this; I’m not holding my breath.

• I DIDN’T PLAN TO BECOME A TEACHER: The Students Who Made Me Stay
• JUSTICE ENDS WHERE POLICING BEGINS: The Shameful History of Policing The Gay and Trans Community in Canada
• RAISED BY PLACES UNSEEN: The Quiet Way Borneo Found Me
• ALONE AGAINST THE SYSTEM: Fighting Police Misconduct in Ontario Means Surviving It
• PART 3 – NO PERMISSION NEEDED: What Was Once Shame Has Become Pride