Inadequate monkeypox response stigmatizing the queer community, NDP says

The Yukon NDP is calling for the territorial government to take preventative action on the monkeypox virus.

The government has countered that actions are being pursued on several fronts.

The latest federal data have reported two known cases of monkeypox in the territory.

“In North America, the monkeypox virus has overwhelmingly impacted men who have sex with men and others in the queer community,” the NDP said Monday.

“In the month since the territory’s first case was confirmed, the Liberal government has failed to protect and give proper health care to queer Yukoners.

“The Liberals have done little outreach, leaving people who believe they have been exposed to monkeypox to navigate a confusing process alone.”

Annie Blake, the NDP MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin, said the party has “heard from folks trying to access support that they’re experiencing discrimination and sex-negative health care. This is unacceptable.

“By refusing to provide adequate support, the Liberals are contributing to the stigma of monkeypox,” Blake said.

Across Canada, the monkeypox vaccine is being offered widely across the country as a preventative measure for those who need it, the NDP pointed out.

By offering targeted prevention, the public at large is also indirectly protected.

“But in the Yukon, people are only offered the vaccine if they have already been exposed to the virus,” the NDP said.

“Yukoners who are at high-risk of exposure are left with no protection.

“Without any public health support, the Yukon Liberals are choosing to leave the Yukon’s queer community in the dark on how to manage public health risk.”

The Star approached cabinet communications staff about the NDP’s concerns and received this response.

“Protecting the health and safety of all Yukoners is the priority of our government.

“The Department of Health and Social Services and Yukon Communicable Disease Control continue to work closely with community partners to ensure Yukoners are aware of the risk factors associated with monkeypox, and to provide people the most up-to-date information available about preventing transmission,” the statement said.

“Groups who might be at greater risk of exposure due to environmental, socioeconomic or health-related reasons, including the queer community, have been contacted directly.”

The government has also worked with the Yukon Status of Women Council and Queer Yukon to provide information, develop public messaging and answer questions about the status of monkeypox in the territory, the statement added.

Dr. Sudit Ranade, the chief medical officer of health, has issued public statements “to update Yukoners about the risks of monkeypox, and continues to inform the government’s response,” the statement said.

“We will continue to work closely with community partners to protect the health and safety of Yukoners as the situation develops.”