‘People were surprised when I’d tell them I actually identified as trans non-binary’: Coun. McKenney on second ‘coming out’

Pride celebrations might be a little different this year with the party heading online due to COVID-19, but it’s not going to stop Ottawa City Councillor Catherine McKenney from getting into the “Christmas” — er — Pride spirit. 

“Every year when August rolls around, I always think, ‘You know what, I’m at an age now and I’ve been out for so long and celebrated so many Prides and I’ve celebrated so many different versions, how much more exciting can it get?’” McKenney said. “But every year, it’s exciting… you feel like a part of this community and you’re welcoming everyone else into it for the week, to see what diversity really looks like and to understand this community of people within the city of Ottawa.

McKenney made history in the City of Ottawa when the councillor came out as the first trans non-binary city councillor, even though McKenney had identified as such for “many, many years.”

“I realized I was out and very open about being queer, people were still surprised when I’d tell them I actually identified as trans non-binary,” McKenney said. “So, I’ve kind of had a second coming out when I noted it on social media — social media is a great medium for that — and I’ll tell you I was a bit overwhelmed and surprised by the the reaction to it — that people didn’t realize that it was something new.”

The councillor added, “I know that people struggle and people in the trans community can deal with a lot of discrimination and prejudice, so that’s why I thought it was really important to be really open and out about being trans non-binary just so that we all realize that we’re just like everyone else.”

But as councillor to the downtown ward that is known for its large LGBTQ+ community, representing the Somerset is nothing short of an honour for McKenney.

“We got the Gay Village, the banners celebrating the history of the community and the people that got us to where we  are today, the crosswalk and everything that comes along with that — the vibrancy and the neighbourhoods that make up our downtown… to understand what that means and the responsibility that comes along with it. But certainly, everyday, when you’re out at Bank and Somerset you see those rainbow crosswalks, it’s a reminder of just the wonderful neighbourhoods that we’re fortunate to have in the entire city.”

Virtual Pride takes place in Ottawa from August 23 to 30. For information on events — some of them live — visit the https://capitalpride.ca/virtual-pride-festival/?utm_campaign=10769569890&utm_source=google_g&utm_medium=smm&utm_content=454727066393&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjNKszJ-66wIVjLLICh3heQp-EAAYASAAEgIxePD_BwE.