Statement on Anti-Trans Protests
This week, far-right and anti-trans groups across Canada have organized protests, rallies, and other gatherings in opposition to longstanding education policies designed to make K-12 schools safer and more inclusive spaces, both for 2SLGBTQIA+ children and everyone in the school community. In the wake of these anti-trans protests, we want to state unequivocally that the BCITFSA opposes any attack on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. That this week’s anti-trans protests are targeting the safety of vulnerable trans children in schools is particularly contemptible. The BCITFSA stands proudly with our trans members and the wider 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We feel that it is important to make a statement given that these events are not “one offs” but part of a wider and well-documented movement to terrorize 2SLGBTQIA+ people and advocates of progressive social and economic change.
Opposing hate is challenging work but it’s easier to do in community with others. The union movement has made significant strides in recent years toward actively opposing hate—fostering policies, education programs, and contract language that promote total solidarity and inclusivity. Our commitment to protecting human rights must continue to extend beyond labour relations to demonstrating solidarity with community members in the face of bigotry and violence. An injury to one is an injury to all.
In support, we would like to share some resources curated from various sources, including the BC Federation of Labour, Canadian Anti-Hate Network, and Canadian Labour Congress. We encourage our members to make use of these resources in their own anti-hate activism or to share them with others.
Here’s what you can do:
- Encourage your local MLA to condemn anti-trans and anti-LGBTQIA+ bigotry.
- Sign on to Queer Momentum’s Fact’s Over Fear Campaign.
- Amplify and support local, provincial and national allies who are leading the pushback against this growing hate movement and who are often the target of attacks, including Egale, Momentum Canada, and the Canadian Anti-Hate Network
- Consider making a financial or in-kind donation to local groups that support queer and trans people, like QMUNITY and others.
- Make a statement opposing attacks on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and hate-motivated efforts to undermine social progress.
- If you choose to participate in counter protests, please do so safely! Resources:
- Learn about confronting hate in K-12 schools.
- Check in with the 2SLGBTQIA+ people and families in your own life and express your support. “Casserole activism” is just as valid as any other kind.
Finally, we recognize that exposure to this kind of hate speech can have a significant negative impact on anyone and that impact is likely to be greatest on 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and those who care about and for them. Here are some available resources:
- Trans Care BC
- Catherine White Holman Wellness Centre
- Transgender Map of Resources
- 2 Spirits of BC
- Gender Generations Project
- QMUNITY Peer Support Groups
- Provincial Crisis Lines
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