On Wednesday, September 20th, groups from the far right are planning events in Ontario and across Canada opposing the teaching of 2SLGBTQIA+ content in schools. They’re framing it as “protecting children.”
But this has nothing to do with protecting children. Quite the opposite – this is about fostering hate, encouraging anti-2SLGBTQIA+ discrimination and causing harm to children and our neighbourhoods.
With hate rising in the US and in our own communities, it’s crucial we rally together in love and solidarity — and resist this campaign of misinformation and bigotry.
Our queer, trans and gender-diverse students and staff deserve to know there are more of us who will not tolerate hate. We will not stand for this.
Join the Counter Protests! ️ ️⚧️
Groups are rallying in cities across Ontario to show our support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community: Toronto, Hamilton, Burlington, Peterborough, Kitchener, Niagara Falls, London, Windsor, Orangeville, Barrie, Sudbury, Whitby, Ottawa — with more locations coming!
Don’t see your city on the list? Organize your own counter-protest!
OPSEU/SEPFO is calling on our members and friends to team up with local councils and community groups. Let’s come together on September 20th, and counter their poisonous narrative with messages of truth, love, inclusion and acceptance.
Let’s make it clear that Ontario is a place of love and acceptance, not hate.
Early next week, we will share details of all of the confirmed counter protests that have been organized in communities across Ontario. To ensure that as many planned counter protests are captured as possible, please send details of any counter protests being organized in your community to OFL Director of Human Rights, Yolanda B’Dacy at [email protected].
Sign up now for updates on the OFL’s No Space For Hate campaign here: https://ofl.ca/event/no-space-for-hate/
A list of important resources
GSA Network: Tips for LGBTQ Youth
Know Your Rights: A guide for activists
Canadian Anti-Hate Network Guide for Pride Defenders
Canadian Anti-Hate Network Guide for Pride Defenders (abridged)
Confronting and Preventing Hate in Canadian Schools
Please note: Additional materials will be added to the OFL’s No Space For Hate campaign page as they become available. Please check back periodically to the events page: https://ofl.ca/event/no-space-for-hate/
With thanks and solidarity,
JP Hornick and Laurie Nancekivell