We are saying Enough is Enough! There is no space for hate in Ontario.
On October 21st, the ultra-conservative right have once again planned nationwide events to protest teaching 2SLGBTQIA+ content in schools under the guise of protecting children.
We know that far from protecting students this will hurt them in so many ways due to the entirely false narratives and disinformation about school policies designed to protect vulnerable youth and foster inclusive learning environments.
Unions will always fight for a fairer, just, and more equitable future for all – including our children.
It is imperative we come together and make our voices louder and the message heard that there is no place for hate in our province.
The OFL encourages all leaders/ heads of unions to join with labour councils and community groups to organize workers and communities to form rapid response teams who can show up on October 21st at the locations listed and counter this rhetoric and these lies with messages of truth, love, acceptance and inclusion.
Please join a rally in your area, and please RSVP here.
Important: Once there, please follow the lead and instruction of the community group and local organizers at the event. Please heed all security recommendations and stay safe.
Reminder: The safety of participants is the utmost priority.
- Do not engage with counter demonstrators.
- De-escalate when confronted.
- Do not take photos of allies.
There are steps you can take to protect yourself and others while attending a counter protest. Read this guide from the Anti-Hate Network to learn more.
Please note: Information regarding the counter-protests was accurate at the time of publishing, however, changes may occur. You are encouraged to check prior to attending any of the events.
All start times are listed in EST.
Barrie
12:00 PM
Barrie City Hall
Belleville
10:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Market Square
Bracebridge
12:00 PM
MEMORIAL PARK
(Manitoba Street, Bracebridge)
Durham
11:00 AM
Durham District School Board
(400 Taunton Road East, Whitby)
Guelph
1:00 PM- 4:00 PM
Royal City Park
Hamilton
12:00 PM
Hamilton city hall
Hanover
11:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Hanover Town Hall
Huntsville
2:00 PM
Huntsville Town Hall
(Main Street, Huntsville)
Kingston
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Confederation Park
1millionvoicesforinclusion.ca
Kitchener
12:00 PM
City Hall
Kitchener-Waterloo
11:00 AM- 3:00 PM
Gaukel Block
(44 Gaukel Street)
London
12:00 PM
City Hall
Meaford
11:00 AM
City Hall
Owen sound
11:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Owen Sound City Hall
Ottawa:
11:00 AM
Human Rights Monument on Elgin Street
Quinte:
10:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Market Square
Organized by: Quinte Pride
Sarnia:
11:00 AM
City Hall
(255 Christina St N, Sarnia, ON N7T 7N2 )
Sudbury
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Bell Park
Toronto
10:00 AM
Queen’s Park
Follow @studentsforqueerliberation to stay updated.
Windsor
12:00 PM- 4:00 PM
Dieppe Gardens
Downton Windsor
Check here for a list of Anti-Trans counter-protests happening across Canada on October 21st that may not be listed.
Resources:
Safe Protesting: A Guide to Your Rights
Safe Protest: A Guide to Your Rights (FR)
Safety Tips for 2SLGTBQIA+ Youth
Guide For Pride Defenders Handout (ABRIDGED VERSION)
Confronting and Preventing Hate in Canadian Schools
For Support:
Movement Defense Committee:
416-833-6137
LGBT National Hotline:
https://www.lgbthotline.org/
1-888-843-4564
Trans Lifeline
https://translifeline.org/
1-877-330-6366
LGBT Youthline:
https://www.youthline.ca/
1-888-687-9688
Hope for Wellness Helpline (for Indigenous People):
https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/
1-855-242-3310
Posters:
Social Media Graphics: