**Transgender Woman Files Human Rights Complaint Against Niagara Police** A transgender woman from St. Catharines has filed a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario after a police officer asked her for her "deadname" during an encounter at a bus terminal. Sabrina Hill recorded the incident on December 17, 2023, while filming a web video. During the interaction, an officer, later identified as Const. Ashley Del Duca, asked Hill, "What's your deadname?" Hill responded, "I'm sorry — what is my what?" The officer repeated the question, leading Hill to inquire about the meaning of the term. Del Duca stated, "I'm just trying to be respectful to you," before asking for Hill's pronouns. Hill claims the officers demanded she stop filming and provide her name, which she refused, citing a lack of trust in the police. She explained that the term "deadname" refers to a person's former name, often their birth name, and is not universally accepted among transgender individuals. In her complaint, Hill argues that the officer's request was intended to demean her as a transgender person. "A deadname isn't just an old name — it's tied to misgendering intentionally, discrimination and really an erasure of who I am," she said. Hill believes the officer's actions were aimed at embarrassing her. The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) and Const. Del Duca have submitted a response to the tribunal, defending the officer's conduct. Hill filed her complaint on January 15, 2024, and is seeking improved training for police regarding interactions with the 2SLGBTQ+ community, as well as compensation for her experience. Hill, a licensed paralegal, expressed concerns about representing herself against experienced lawyers in the case. "While the police officer who harmed me has secured [an] attorney billing over $500 an hour, I have had to represent myself," she stated. Despite reaching out to nearly 30 legal aid organizations, Hill has only managed to secure a phone consultation for advice. She is scheduled for a consultation with the Human Rights Legal Support Centre just days before her case goes to mediation. Johanna Macdonald, director of legal initiatives at The 519, a community center for queer and transgender individuals, noted that unrepresented complainants like Hill face significant challenges against seasoned legal teams. The term "deadname" can be distressing for many transgender individuals. Colleen Elizabeth McTeague, a facilitator for a peer support group, remarked, "I would feel attacked if somebody asked me that and I would definitely refuse to provide that." The NRPS has stated that it would not comment further on the matter as it is currently before the tribunal. Hill's case is set for mediation on October 15, 2024. In their response, the police argued that Hill's comments during the interaction indicated she was not humiliated or victimized, citing her social media posts about the incident. They also claimed that Hill referred to Del Duca using derogatory terms in her online posts. Hill is seeking $30,546 in damages, including $30,000 for humiliation and $546 for lost wages. The NRPS has stated that the police board's solicitor is representing both the board and Del Duca, but did not provide an estimate of legal costs for the case. Veronica Spada, a spokesperson for Tribunals Ontario, emphasized that the human rights process is designed to be accessible for individuals without legal representation. However, Macdonald highlighted the emotional toll and barriers faced by individuals like Hill when navigating the legal system, especially against powerful institutions such as the police. Macdonald noted that many queer and transgender individuals face financial challenges that hinder their ability to secure legal representation. She called for increased investment in legal aid services to support marginalized communities in accessing justice.