A transgender individual residing in St. Catharines who recorded police officers requesting her previous name has lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO). The complaint aims to enhance police training and seek compensation. Sabrina Hill was shooting a video at the St. Catharines bus terminal on December 17, 2023, when officers from the Niagara regional police engaged her, leading to a dialogue between Hill and one of the officers.
During the interaction, an officer, later identified as Constable Ashley Del Duca, asked for Hill’s “deadname.” Confusion ensued as Hill sought clarification on the term. The officer explained that using the deadname was an attempt to show respect and also inquired about Hill’s preferred pronouns.
Hill claimed that the officers demanded her to cease filming and disclose her identity, which she declined, citing a lack of necessity and trust issues with the police. The term “deadname” refers to a person’s former name, typically their birth name, but not all transgender individuals embrace this term.
Hill perceived the officer’s request for her “deadname” as an attempt to publicly reveal her transgender identity and belittle her. She emphasized that a deadname signifies intentional misgendering, discrimination, and erasure of one’s identity. The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) and Del Duca have responded to the tribunal, with the police defending the officer’s actions.
Hill, who filed her human rights complaint on January 15, 2024, expressed concerns about the legal system being biased against complainants. Despite being a licensed paralegal, she faced challenges representing herself against experienced lawyers in cases of police misconduct. Hill highlighted the need for improved access to legal support for individuals navigating such processes.
The case involves a request for mediation on October 15, as Hill responded to the police’s formal statement. Del Duca defended her use of the term “deadname,” citing prior experiences with transgender individuals who utilized the term. The police urged the tribunal to dismiss the case, emphasizing that their interaction with Hill did not display hostility or intent to humiliate.
Hill advocated for enhanced police training to prevent mistreatment of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and sought compensation totaling $30,546, encompassing damages for humiliation and lost wages. The NRPS indicated that legal representation for the case is managed by the police board’s solicitor. The process of seeking justice through the human rights tribunal was described as user-friendly, although challenges persist for unrepresented individuals.
Legal experts highlighted the emotional toll on victims navigating the legal system independently, especially when confronting powerful entities like the police. They emphasized the importance of legal aid and financial support for marginalized communities to ensure fair access to justice amidst increasing reports of discrimination and violence.
