The Canadian Labour Congress has reached out to its affiliates to share information about upcoming September 20 anti-trans groups’ protests against education policies designed to make schools safer and more inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQI+ children, and requested that we spread information about the issue and how our members across the country can get involved as citizens and members of their community.
We strongly encourage our members to read on and show solidarity where they can.
>>The September 20 far-right rally
Billed as the #1MillionMarch4Children, these groups are calling for parents to remove their children from school at 9 a.m. and join protests, rallies and other gatherings planned for later that morning. More than 80 locations across the country have been announced as participating, with larger events planned in major cities.
You will find a somewhat comprehensive listing of protest sites on the website of the so-called “anti-woke” organization, Blueprint for Canada. Note that while most events are taking place on September 20, some are planned for other days of that week.
>> CLC Recommended Actions
See below some actions that CAPE members can take to fight the rise of hatred and extremism against 2SLGBTQI+ communities:
• 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.
• Reach out to local organizations and networks who may be planning counter-protests on this day, including already-established union flying squads, to get involved in planning, and to promote any planned counter-protests to your members. Some federations of labour have begun a coordinated effort and we encourage you to get involved.
• Consider making a financial or in-kind donation to local groups and networks that are coordinating counter-protest action. Most are grassroots and led by volunteers, many of whom are queer and trans folk who have been dealing with this hatred on a daily basis. This might include donations, megaphones, food and water, masks, printing, marshal vests and trained marshals, meeting space, etc.
>> Message from CLC
This will be a challenging day for our 2SLGBTQI+ members and the community, and these events raise serious health and safety concerns for workers, students and community members regardless of gender or sexual orientation. We want our queer and trans friends, colleagues, and family members to know that they are loved and valued, and that their safety matters to all of us.
Bigotry and violence that threaten the fundamental human rights of 2SLGBTQI+ people require a strong unified response rooted in solidarity from all workers, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. An injury to one is an injury to all.
A strong show of union solidarity for the 2SLGBTQI+ community in the face of persistent and rising hatred and bigotry is absolutely essential.
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CAPE members belonging to the 2SLGBTQI+ community who are experiencing violence, hatred or discrimination in the workplace have recourse. Speak to your supervisor or your CAPE Labour Relations Officer to seek advice if needed.
Don’t suffer in silence.
