Submitted by Section Co-Chair, Matthew T. Ostrow
Summary of Meetings
Number of Meetings Held: 6
December 9, 2015
Guest Speaker: barbara findlay Jennifer Metcalfe
Meeting Title/Topic: prison and detention facility policies and their effect on trans* persons,
Synopsis: looking at issues of policies regarding sex-specific segregation, the use of solitary confinement on trans women as a measure to prevent their assault in men’s facilities, and transitioning while incarcerated
December 21, 2015
Guest Speaker: None
Meeting Title/Topic: Holiday gathering
Synopsis: Our annual holiday gathering at Score Bar on Davie Street was attended by over 20+ lawyers and law students over the course of the evening. Much holiday revelry was had.
February 27, 2016
Guest Speaker: None
Meeting Title/Topic: Cheers with Queers
Synopsis: Some executive members travelled to Victoria, BC for “Cheers with Queers!”, an informal gathering with LGBT+ lawyers in the Capital Region and UVic law students and faculty over food and drinks. The event was well attended.
May 5, 2016
Guest Speaker: Zara Suleman
Meeting Title/Topic: Making Babies: The ABC’s of ART for the LGBTTSQI.
Synopsis: SOGIC BC will be hosting family law and fertility lawyer Zara Suleman. The title of her presentation is Making Babies: The ABC’s of ART for the LGBTTSQI. The focus of Zara’s presentation will be on discussing the legal and non-legal considerations when deciding how individuals who identify as queer or trans want to conceive
May 17, 2016
Guest Speaker: Karey Brooks
Meeting Title/Topic: TWU case at the BC Court of Appeal
Synopsis: Karey Brooks, counsel for the LGBT+ coalition (OUTLaws & Qmunity), will speak about the significance the upcoming TWU case at the BC Court of Appeal and its potential impact for equality rights across Canada The Fight for Equal Access to Law School, the Legal Profession, and the Courts? The Legal Challenges Involving Trinity Western University, the Minister of Advanced Education, the Law Society, OUTLaws, and Qmunity.
July 31, 2016
Guest Speaker: None
Meeting Title/Topic: 5th Vancouver Pride Parade entry
Synopsis: Annual entry in the Vancouver Pride Parade
Comments and Observations of the Chair
It has been a wonderful and rewarding experience and I look forward to continuing in the same role next year.