Valued Supporters: We are facing a critical moment in the fight to protect 2SLGBTQI students in Ontario, and we need your immediate attention and support. A group pushing transphobic rhetoric has been planning protests in various locations across Ontario, and Canada, with their main event in Toronto this Wednesday, September 20, starting at 9:00am. This is staged under the guise of concern for "parental rights" and hashtag #1millionmarch4children, but their intentions are deeply troubling for queer children. Here's what you need to know:
Organizers and Attendees
While some claim to be concerned parents, it has become evident that Americans, religious traditionalists, freedom convoy attendees, and far-right extremists are involved in organizing these protests. Their agenda is to eliminate 2SLGBTQI inclusive practices in our schools, specifically any acknowledgment of gender or sexual diversity. See more context here.
Support from Reliable Authorities
The Children's Aid Society, a trusted authority on child care in Ontario, has endorsed the "Out and Proud'' Guidelines for Affirmation, which includes four pillars: Listening, Affirmation, Person-centered Approach, and Equity. Additionally, the Catholic Children's Aid Society has released an affirming statement. These guidelines and statements underscore the importance of supporting and affirming 2SLGBTQI youth.
Counter Protests and Solidarity
In addition to queer organizations and allies, labour unions across Canada (with members who are also parents), are standing up to counter these protests with messages of love and respect for human rights. The Ontario unions want to send a clear message: NO SPACE FOR HATE IN ONTARIO. Join them, or find an action near you.
TAKE ACTION
Stay Informed
For more information on queer right's history and Toronto based counter-protest efforts, visit 519's "Army of Lovers" webpage and join them. Visit Egale's Back-to-school hub with inclusive resources and learning opportunities, and share this with teachers in your school community.
Spread the Word
Share this urgent call to action with your friends, family, and social networks. Encourage them to join us in standing up for the rights and safety of 2SLGBTQI students in Ontario. Recent comments by our Premier and Education Minister suggests that policy changes that jeopardize the safety of trans students may be on the horizon, and we need to be ready! That is why we have started collecting stories from staff and families, as well as began building a coalition on Ontario parents. Join us!
Share Your Story
The inaction and complicity we continue to witness in the face of such vile and misinformed attacks on a marginalized group are unacceptable. As this moment transpires, we are collecting stories from parents and education staff on how the leadership that we rely on to uphold human rights in education handle this situation. This includes members of parliament, school board trustees and senior education staff across Ontario (and other provinces). Please send your story to info@protectouryouth.ca, and we will seek to hold policy makers accountable when they fail to fulfill their duties, in part by requesting a public interest inquiry by the OHRC.
In this crucial moment, we must come together as a community to ensure that our schools remain safe and inclusive spaces for ALL students. Every student deserves to be protected, affirmed, and celebrated. Let's unite against transphobia and uphold the principles of human rights, equity and respect that define our great province, and make Canada the best country in the world.