Biography:
Barbara Findlay is a Canadian lawyer and a passionate advocate for LGBT rights. Born and raised in Canada, she has dedicated her career to fighting for equality and justice for the LGBTQ+ community. Findlay’s life and work have had a profound impact on society, making her a prominent figure in women’s history.
Early Life:
Barbara Findlay obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen’s University before pursuing further education at the University of British Columbia. There, she earned a Master of Arts in sociology and an LLB. However, Findlay’s journey was not without its challenges. During her first year of university in the 1960s, she found herself at odds with societal norms. Admitting her attraction to women led to her being forcibly admitted to a psychiatric ward, a traumatic experience that fueled her determination to fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Career:
After being called to the bar in 1977, Barbara Findlay immediately began practicing law. Her career coincided with Canada’s decriminalization of homosexuality, giving her the opportunity to advocate for change. Findlay played a significant role in numerous landmark cases focused on LGBTQ+ rights.
She is a founding member of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conference (SOGIC), a group of queer lawyers affiliated with the Canadian Bar Association. Additionally, she is a member of the December 9 Coalition and the Alliance of Women Against Racism Etc. (AWARE). Through her involvement with these organizations, Findlay continues to champion the rights of marginalized communities.
Findlay’s law practice in British Columbia specializes in family law cases involving LGBT individuals and child custody issues. She has been at the forefront of many cases highlighting transgender rights, such as Kimberley Nixon v. Vancouver Rape Relief Society. Her dedication to advocating for the rights and well-being of transgender individuals has made a lasting impact on the legal landscape.
The documentary in particular, barbara findlay showcases her life and career, serving as a testament to her invaluable contributions to the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Directed by Becca Pluce, the film sheds light on Findlay’s tireless efforts and the challenges she encountered along the way.
Beyond her legal work, Findlay is also a respected figure in the literary world. She has led workshops at Room Magazine’s literary festival, Growing Room. Her involvement in the photo essay The Cancer Year (with Dorothy Elias) featured in the book Making Room: Forty Years of Room Magazine highlights her multifaceted contributions.
Personal Life:
Barbara Findlay resides in British Columbia with her partner, Sheila Gilhooly. As a white, cisgender, lesbian, activist lawyer with physical disabilities, Findlay has drawn upon her personal experiences and identities to inform her advocacy work. She brings a unique perspective to her practice, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and respected.
Awards:
Throughout her illustrious career, Barbara Findlay has received numerous awards and recognition for her dedication to advancing LGBTQ+ rights. In 2001, she was appointed to the prestigious Queen’s Counsel. Four years later, the Sexual Diversity Studies Department at the University of Toronto honored her with an award of merit. In 2013, Findlay’s outstanding contributions earned her the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Barbara Findlay’s unwavering commitment to championing equality and justice has made her an influential figure in women’s history and a respected advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Her tireless efforts continue to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.