Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 1 Apr. (Press Europa) –
The Minister for Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Children and Families of the Government of the Canary Islands, Candelaria Delgado, chaired the establishment of the new advisory committee focused on social equality and non-discrimination concerning gender identity, gender expression, and sexual characteristics.
Before the press, she asserted that the Canary Islands is a leading community in the protection of the rights of trans and intersex individuals, which “set the standard for the State” with the unanimous approval of the first trans law by all political parties represented in the Parliament of the Canary Islands.
“The Canary Islands have consistently been a benchmark in this area, and we must continue to be without taking any steps back,” Candelaria Delgado affirmed, highlighting the significance of the newly formed advisory body.
“We will now benefit from the support of this committee, which will assist the public policies of the Canary Islands government in implementing all the tools and actions necessary for the collective across all aspects of daily life,” she stated.
During this inaugural meeting, alongside the minister, the Director General of Diversity, David Celso Mendoza, two representatives from the support units for trans and intersex individuals, the Technical General Secretariat, and various associations, including Lánzate, Chrysallis, Gamá, and Altihay Fuerteventura, were present. Although Libertrans attended, it is not part of the committee.
According to the order specifying the entities and individuals that will form the new Advisory Committee, Minister Candelaria Delgado will serve as president, and representatives from the entities along with those from the support and attention units for trans and intersex individuals, as well as those responsible for health services in the Canary Islands, will take positions as members.
A Consultation Channel
Overall, the Committee will function as a consultation channel for Public Administration, facilitating analysis with the entities regarding all measures promoted by the Government of the Canary Islands within the framework of the law, serving as an evaluation mechanism for the effectiveness of measures adopted by the Canary Islands government.
One of the primary roles will be to adapt the advisory services outlined in Law 2/2021, of 7 June, on Social Equality and non-discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, and sexual characteristics, to the actual needs of trans and intersex people. The committee will be empowered to propose conclusions or suggestions for improvement and adaptation, and it will prepare an annual report regarding the level of compliance and social impact of the law.
Representing associations and entities with established expertise in defending the rights of trans and intersex individuals, the committee will include representatives from those who expressed interest in participation: Gamá Collective – Association of Lesbians, Gays, Trans, and Bisexuals of the Canary Islands focusing on sexual and gender diversity; Lánzate – Lesbians, Gays, Transsexuals, Intersex, Bisexual and more from the Canary Islands; Chrysallis Canarias – Association for Transgender Minors; the LGBTIQ* Diverse Canary Islands Association; Altihay Fuerteventura – Collectives of Gays, Lesbians, Transsexuals, and supporters in the Canary Islands; Apertura – Association of Transsexual People of Tenerife; and Transboy – an association for trans men.
Moreover, the committee will include two individuals representing the support and attention units for trans and intersex people from the Canary Health Service (SCS).
