Transgender woman can make refugee claim in Canada

Chester - A transgendered woman from Ireland has been told that she is eligible to apply for refugee status in Canada. She claims she will be a target for hate if she is sent back to Europe.

Tanya Bloomfield arrived in Canada in 2006. On August 19 immigration officials gave her 28 days to file a document claiming refugee status. A hearing will then be held in the next 12 to 18 months. "We're cognizant of the possibility that the refugee board might say, 'Well, if you couldn't find safety in Northern Ireland, why couldn't you do so elsewhere in the European Union?'" CBC News quoted Lee Cohen, Bloomfield's lawyer, as saying. "That would be a legal issue, and at this point, we haven't researched it, but we will probably argue that she shouldn't be obliged to live in another country." Bloomfield told CBC News that she now feels enthusiastic. "I'm able to now remain in Canada whilst this process goes on. I'm able to continue working in my business as part of being found to be eligible. I'm able to get a work permit. I'm able to get some very basic health care as well." Bloomfield lives in Nova Scotia and owns a computer business called Computer Angels. She became a hero to many people in May when she raised more than $3000 for Safe Harbour Metropolitan Community Church by running the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon barefoot. The church is known for welcoming the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community, although it is all-inclusive.