Nova Scotia trans student harassed by staff

A transgender student in Nova Scotia says she’s been harassed by cafeteria staff despite workers being put through sensitivity training.

According to CBC, Dalhousie University student, Jessica Dempsey received an apology email from the dining hall manger of her school in July after her first complaints against the food service staff.

The staff was then reported to have gone through sensitivity training after the complaint was passed on to the university’s Human Rights, Equity and Harassment Protection office.

But nothing has changed according to Dempsey, as workers continue to call her by her old name and one person asked if her breasts were real.

She says the harassment has affected her school work, and feeling as though her safety is at risk, Dempsey is now staying at a shelter. She also plans on filing a complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.

Member of the Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project, Kevin Kindred says stories of transgender people facing discrimination is not uncommon, and extends to obtaining services and even employment.