The Tumbler Ridge tragedy: addressing mental health and transphobia
Members of the media may directly contact the following experts:
Psychological Impact:
Nafissa Ismail (English and French)
Full Professor, Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences; Director of LIFE Research Institute
Professor Ismail can comment on the effects of traumatic events on brain health.
“Canadians faced two important tragedies at the same time. While these events are extremely devastating for the families that are directly involved, they also impact all Canadians. We have to keep in mind that a sense of community support and togetherness is critical during these challenging times. We also have to think about whether and how to talk about it with our children and reassure them that these are isolated events that we are hoping will not occur again, and that our schools remain safe places for them.”
Transphobia:
Nicole Racine(English and French)
Associate Professor, School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences; Director of the Early Lab
nracine2@uottawa.ca
Professor Racine is an expert in psychology of marginalized groups and mental health outcomes among gender-diverse populations.
“There is no evidence that trans identities cause violence and falsely linking the two risks increasing stigma and psychological harm while undermining trauma-informed responses for those most affected.
In the aftermath of violence, spreading misinformation—particularly narratives that target trans communities—not only causes harm to already marginalized groups but also distracts from the real work of supporting children, families, and communities affected by trauma.”
Talen Wright (English only)
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Wright is a PhD researcher and trans woman who can discuss issues around trans and gender diverse mental health, and the impact of discrimination on trans and queer people’s lives.
"Violence and discrimination are a daily lived experience for many in our community, leading to increased fear and victimisation. A mental health burden compounds this, with increased clinical depression and anxiety commonplace amongst transgender and gender diverse Canadians, and suicidal ideation and attempts at over two-three times the general population average. My concern is that we will see these mental health concerns get worse with further scapegoating and mis/disinformation being spread. I should also add that my thoughts are with the victims of the tragedy."