The Regional Municipality of York is reminding residents to be inclusive and respectful with costume selection and home decor this Halloween.
The region is asking residents not to be "dehumanizing" or perpetuate stereotypes with costumes, and recommends homes be inclusive and accessible to trick-or-treaters.
“Playing a character is one of the joys of Halloween, but costumes focused on culture, race, religion, ethnicity, mental illness, caricatures of gender or identities, depictions of homophobia or transphobia, disability and other ideas that may be considered offensive, racist or stigmatizing are not appropriate in any circumstance,” the region said in a news release. “Halloween is not an opportunity to turn someone’s identity into a costume.”
The region offers tips, including asking yourself questions about whether your costume is perpetuating stereotypes or if you would wear it in front of people from the group you are depicting.
“If in doubt, leave it out,” the region said. “It’s important to understand the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation when picking Halloween costumes.
Trick-or-treat inclusivity is also something for residents to consider this Halloween season, the region said.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project, with homes also offering non-food treats for those who may have allergies or other conditions.
It also suggested using a lawn sign to showcase your accessible trick-or-treating through measures like offering the treats at the bottom of the stars in a well-lit area and showing consideration to non-verbal children, while avoiding flashing lights or startling scares in Halloween decorations.
“Children and families living with disabilities or those requiring accommodations can sometimes feel excluded from activities when their needs are not considered,” the region said. “Remember accessibility not only helps people with disabilities; it benefits everyone.
“Let’s have a safe and accessible Halloween this year. We can all make a difference in our neighbourhoods and be champions of inclusion and accessibility,” the region added.
