Too often, members of the Queer, Trans, and Two-Spirit community face barriers when trying to access the justice system.
Attorney General Niki Sharma says that is why the province is funding B.C.’s first pro-bono legal clinic to specifically address the issue.
“The clinic will offer services tailored toward LGBTQIA+ communities, including free legal help with issues such as housing, employment, and family law,” Sharma said.
“The clinic will also support legal professionals with education on inclusive practices to better serve our most vulnerable populations.”
The legal clinic will be located at QMUNITY, a resource centre for Queer, Trans, and Two-Spirit people in Vancouver’s West End.
Felix Gilliland, QMUNITY’s manager of education and engagement says that in 2024, there has been a lot of backlash to members of the community.
“Queer and Trans folks experience discrimination everywhere in our society. When folks go to access legal services, they can actually experience more discrimination within the legal system as well,” Gilliland said.
“We are looking to represent folks who are wanting to affirm their trans kids and supporting families to get the best results for their queer and trans kids as well.”
Sharma says the clinic will work in tandem with QMUNITY’s established services. For that reason, clients seeking legal help can also benefit from counselling, employment support, mental health, and other services, she says.
“Whether you need help with family law matters or housing conflict, a business problem or one of the many other legal issues one could face, your gender and sexuality should have no bearing on whether you can access legal help.”
The announcement was made Friday, to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. The office will be opening later this year.