Shoppers, voters and neighbours are noticing a shift: Canadians’ support for diverse gender expressions and for transgender family members has fallen since 2018, a change that matters for safety, policy and everyday interactions across the country. Here’s what the new Statistics Canada findings reveal, why attitudes may be moving, and practical steps communities and leaders can take.

Essential Takeaways

  • Significant drop: Support for expressing gender freely fell from 85% to 77% among women and from 78% to 70% among men between 2018 and 2025, according to Statistics Canada.
  • Widespread effect: Declines appeared across age groups and regions, with the steepest fall in Saskatchewan for women; younger men showed notably less support than younger women.
  • Linked to politics and discourse: The survey changes coincide with louder public debate, provincial legislation restricting trans rights, and visible anti‑trans rhetoric.
  • Real‑world consequences: Reported hate crimes and incidents targeting gender identity and expression have risen, increasing risks for trans and gender‑diverse people.
  • Actionable steps: Experts recommend meaningful consultation, public education, better support services and platform accountability to counter misinformation and reduce harm.

What the new data actually shows , and why the numbers matter

Statistics Canada surveyed 48,547 people aged 15 and over between October 2024 and June 2025, asking whether people should be free to express their gender and whether respondents would support a family member who came out as transgender. The headline is clear: while a majority still supports gender diversity, the margin has narrowed noticeably since 2018, and that’s a meaningful social shift.

The decline matters because public attitudes shape policy, school atmospheres and how safe people feel in public. According to the agency, the drop in support for gender expression was the most substantial change among the survey’s gender‑related items, which should alarm anyone tracking social inclusion.

Regional and demographic patterns , where support fell fastest

Not all parts of Canada moved in the same way. Women’s support fell from 85% to 77% overall, men’s from 78% to 70%, and Saskatchewan saw one of the deepest declines for women. Among 15‑ to 24‑year‑olds there’s a sharp gender gap: young women were much more supportive than young men.

These patterns point to local politics and culture playing a role. Areas that passed legislation restricting access to gender‑affirming care or tightening school protections for trans youth also saw the debate intensify, which helps explain regional differences in attitudes.

Politics, media and misinformation , the wider context

The survey’s timing overlaps with a period of heightened public debate. Provinces such as New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Alberta introduced laws seen as restricting rights for trans and gender‑diverse people, and public figures have sometimes used exclusionary language that frames inclusion as a threat. That kind of messaging spreads quickly online, and research and reporting suggest mis‑ and disinformation amplify negative perceptions.

When political leaders frame trans inclusion as risky, public support drops, and that can translate into reduced protections and more hostile environments for marginalised people. It’s a reminder that public discourse doesn’t just reflect opinion , it shapes it.

The human impact , hate crimes and everyday safety

Declining support isn’t an abstract trend; it correlates with harmful outcomes. Analyses by advocacy groups and media reporting show incidents targeting gender identity and expression have increased, with police‑reported hate crimes rising in recent years. That rise is reflected in national statistics and in reports from community organisations, which are stretched thin responding to escalating incidents and the mental‑health fallout.

For families and employers, the takeaway is practical: quieter hostility can still make schools, workplaces and public spaces less safe. Policies without buy‑in, or rhetoric that stokes fear, increase the likelihood of discrimination and violence.

What can be done , concrete steps for leaders and communities

There are practical, evidence‑based responses. Start with policy‑level changes: meaningful consultation with 2SLGBTQIA+ organisations when drafting laws, expanded funding for community services, and provider training for gender‑affirming care and violence prevention. Public education campaigns that counter disinformation and explain why inclusion matters can also shift attitudes over time.

Platform accountability matters too; as the federal government develops AI and digital strategies, measures to curb the spread of targeted mis‑ and disinformation should be prioritised. Locally, donating time or funds to community groups, and supporting school policies that protect vulnerable students, are simple actions individuals can take now.

It’s a small change that can make everyday life safer and more inclusive for people who need it most.

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