麻豆精选 Pride, TransParent Okanagan and Advocacy Canada invite all people to come together to show love, support and solidarity for 麻豆精选鈥檚 2SLGBTQIA+ community on Oct. 15.
The event was organized after leaders in 麻豆精选鈥檚 queer community noticed a rise in organized hate against queer and marginalized people.
On Sept. 20, a rally was held in downtown 麻豆精选 that called for the abolition of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) education and resources in public schools.
The rally was attended by approximately 500 people that chanted 鈥淐anada has one flag,鈥� and held signs with anti-SOGI and anti-queer messages including, 鈥淚f you truly understood the LGBTQ agenda you would march with us to protect God鈥檚 children.鈥�
READ MORE: Anti-SOGI march hits 麻豆精选 while rainbows fly in counter protest
Wilbur Turner, the founder and Chair of Advocacy Canada said that the Oct. 15, event was organized after he and other leaders in 麻豆精选鈥檚 queer community recommended that folks not counter-protest the anti-SOGI rally on Sept. 20, for fear of violence.
People who did attend the Sept. 20, rally as counter-protesters and observers said that the event seemed to be a facade for other, more nefarious and hate-filled messages.
鈥淲hile the language surrounding these actions is framed as protecting parental rights, and protecting children, the reality is that this movement is deeply rooted in anti-2SLGBTQIA+ sentiment, particularly anti-trans sentiment,鈥� said Turner.
Meaghan Duckett, the executive director of a counsellor at This Space Belongs to You said that youth are struggling with the ongoing barrage of queer and transphobic misinformation that they experience, and are in need of support from their community.
The event on Oct. 15, is organized by and for 麻豆精选鈥檚 queer community and allies and will feature both a 鈥榬oad rally鈥� for folks who would like to join on wheels followed by a gathering and march in downtown 麻豆精选.
For a full schedule of events and more information visit the Rally Against Hate: Protect Trans Rights Facebook event page.
For more information on resources and supports available in 麻豆精选 visit advocacy-canada.lgbt, transparentokanagan.ca, and kelownapride.com.
鈥淏ring your signs, Pride flags, and Trans Pride flags. Bring your parents, grandparents, co-workers, and siblings. Let鈥檚 show 麻豆精选 there is no space for hate,鈥� said the event organizers.
READ MORE: Police investigate apparent Nazi salute at 麻豆精选 anti-SOGI march
