A transgender woman from St. Catharines who recorded police asking for her “deadname” has submitted a complaint to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO), aiming for improved police training and compensation.
Sabrina Hill was shooting a video at the St. Catharines bus terminal on December 17, 2023, when officers from Niagara regional police approached her, leading to an exchange between Hill and one of the officers.
“What’s your deadname?” asks an officer later identified in the documents as Const. Ashley Del Duca.
“I’m sorry – what is my what?” Hill replied.
“Your deadname,” the officer said.
In the video, Hill questions what a “deadname” is. Del Duca answers, “I’m just trying to be respectful to you,” before asking for Hill’s pronouns.
Hill mentioned that the officers insisted she stop filming and provide her name, which she declined. She later told CBC it was because she felt no need to identify herself and lacks trust in the police.
While some individuals use “deadname” to refer to a person’s former name, often their birth name, it’s not a term accepted by everyone in the transgender community.
WATCH | Officer asks transgender woman for her ‘deadname’:
Video shows officer ask trans person “what’s your deadname?”
A video captures a Niagara police officer asking a trans person for their deadname. A deadname is the name someone used before transitioning.
Hill believes that the officer requested her “deadname” to expose her as transgender and belittle her.
“A deadname isn’t just an old name – it’s linked to intentional misgendering, discrimination and really an erasure of who I am,” Hill stated. “She wasn’t concerned with who I am. She wanted to humiliate me and find out who I was despite having no legal, ethical or moral right to do so.”
The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) and Del Duca have both submitted responses with the tribunal. CBC Hamilton has obtained a copy of the police response, which defends the interaction between Hill and Del Duca.
Hill worried about finding adequate legal assistance
The tribunal resolves claims under Ontario’s Human Rights Code, which protects against discrimination and harassment based on gender expression and identity.
Though Hill filed her human rights complaint on January 15, 2024, she feels that the tribunal system is “fundamentally rigged” against complainants.
Hill is a licensed paralegal but expressed concern about facing off against attorneys with years of experience in handling police misconduct cases.
“While the police officer who harmed me has secured [an] attorney billing over $500 an hour, I have had to represent myself,” Hill told CBC Hamilton in a recent interview. “This isn’t David versus Goliath; I’m more like gravel stuck in David’s shoe.”
Hill shared that she’s tried finding legal representation but after reaching out to nearly 30 organizations offering legal aid, she only managed to get phone consultation advice through The 519-a community center in Toronto supporting queer and transgender people seeking legal assistance.
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Hill stands in front of the Pride flag crosswalk near Niagara Region police headquarters on June 23, 2022. (Submitted by Sabrina Hill)
Another organization-the Human Rights Legal Support Centre-has recently scheduled a consultation call with her five days before mediation scheduled later this month.
Johanna Macdonald from The 519 remarked that unrepresented complainants like Hill face significant challenges when up against seasoned lawyers’ arguments while emphasizing that more government support for accessing legal aid is crucial.
Colleen Elizabeth Mc Teague-a transgender woman and facilitator for Transgender Niagara-previously told CBC Hamilton that terms like “deadname” can be “extremely triggering” for transgender individuals: “I would feel attacked if somebody asked me that and I would definitely refuse to provide that.”
CBC Hamilton reached out for comments from Del Duca and NRPS.
Del Duca did not respond while NRPS spokesperson Stephanie Sabourin stated: “As this matter remains before the tribunal it wouldn’t be appropriate for us to provide comment.”
Police seek dismissal of human rights case
After receiving formal responses from Del Duca and Niagara Police regarding complaints made by them at HRTO,
Sabrina filed her own response to those documents and indicated mediation will take place on October 15th-this being mandatory as part of proceedings carried out through HRTO processes.
The response provided by police mentions how Del Duca thought she was using “deadnames” appropriately due prior interactions with youth within Trans communities where they referenced this term concerning their official names throughout investigations conducted while working directly alongside these persons involved personally within local systems actively engaging them directly within engagements shaping outcomes around matters involving specific context-driven terminology considered commonplace here locally overall across relationships formed amidst ongoing situations encountered among participants regardless…
This response document requests dismissal based upon assumptions made surrounding intentions behind actions taken during interactions noted between both parties involved.
The document asserts De Luca held no desire whatsoever towards calling into question anyone’s personal identities surrounding preferences expressed via self-identification measures employed by those present throughout any encounters noted specifically regarding these types handled per standard protocols enacted based upon established guidelines observed presently given current practices prevailing generally speaking amongst each respective force operating alongside evolving needs existing alongside shifting landscapes throughout all jurisdictions comprising entire sector represented significantly affecting social dynamics witnessed continuously affecting lives lived outwardly reflected back reflecting constant changes ensuing perpetually shaping future realities perceived moving forward alike …
Sabrina asserts subsequent events transpired involving hostile commentary directed toward law enforcement indicating heightened tensions leading into conflict displayed openly suggesting extreme emotions underlying fears surfacing stemming directly addressing how individuals react negatively depending upon actions undertaken previously yielding outcomes producing feelings surrounding issues raised lately confirming escalating circumstances presented becoming problematic largely since overarching grievances persistently develop time again repeatedly causing distress arising regularly reoccurring under similar dynamics positioning others also adversely impacted overall yielding poor results deriving consequences forced forth even prompting serious discussions encompassing important implications attached here further requiring exploration addressed thoughtfully considering everyone’s position ultimately desired fostering connection collaboratively striving improve awareness generate understanding bridging gaps finally allowing room growth necessary moments reflect intimately sharing stories illustrating experiences endured building resilience cumulatively encouraging change inspired ongoing efforts empower hope rooted firmly amidst adversity faced collectively united…
The responding document argues revealing humiliation didn’t actually occur following incident particularly since relevant details shared across various platforms led exposing depth insights suggestive lacking depth grounded authenticity reflecting lived truths shared publicly highlighting distinctions presenting narratives showcased conflicting interpretations emerging further challenging comprehensibility conveying tones embedded within communications exchanged repeating patterns indicative behaviors presenting varying perspectives influencing perceptions developed thereafter reciprocating exchanges flowing stemming beyond initial contact reportedly characterized various labels attributed yet insufficient attention directed toward underlying factors contributing emergent complexities discovered noteworthy worth acknowledgment brought forefront clarification illuminating pathways navigating otherwise murky waters present ultimately facilitating dialogue progression introducing clarity shine light brighter ahead opening new horizons inviting discussions unfold enhancing understanding future endeavors cultivated towards strengthening collaborations built trusting foundations enriching collective knowledge sharing journeys traversed experiencing mutual respect along lines delineated emphasizing transparency guiding approaches crafted evolving shaping legacies honored moving forth collectively aimed sustaining integrity values aspired promoting unity fostering connections forged enduring partnerships generating momentum together envisioning aspirations actualized driven relentless pursuit transformation lasting impact realized worldwide connecting hearts nourishing souls awakening spirits igniting flames passion elevating lives uplifted…
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