A transgender individual residing in St. Catharines who recorded a police officer requesting her “deadname” has lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) to enhance police training and seek compensation. Sabrina Hill was shooting a video at the St. Catharines bus terminal on Dec. 17, 2023, when officers from the Niagara regional police engaged with her, leading to an exchange between Hill and one of the officers.
During the encounter, an officer later identified as Const. Ashley Del Duca asked, “What’s your deadname?” Hill, puzzled, inquired about the term, to which Del Duca clarified it as her previous name before transitioning, aiming to be respectful. Hill declined to provide her name or stop filming, citing lack of necessity and mistrust towards law enforcement.
Hill interpreted the officer’s inquiry for her “deadname” as an attempt to expose her transgender identity and belittle her, emphasizing that the term is associated with intentional misgendering, discrimination, and erasure of her true identity. The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) and Del Duca have responded to the tribunal, defending the officer’s actions.
Hill, a licensed paralegal, expressed concerns about facing experienced legal representatives in police misconduct cases and highlighted the challenges of obtaining legal aid. She stressed the need for better police training to avoid mistreatment of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and is seeking $30,546 in compensation for humiliation and lost wages.
Amid the ongoing legal proceedings, Hill has faced obstacles in securing legal representation, emphasizing the emotional toll and barriers faced by victims navigating human rights cases independently. The case is set for mediation following responses from both parties, with the police advocating for dismissal, citing appropriate use of the term “deadname” and lack of hostility in the interaction.