Skip to main content

Blog

Statement on Anti-Trans Protests

Statement on Anti-Trans Protests

September 20, 2023

This week, far-right and anti-trans groups across Canada have organized protests, rallies, and other gatherings in opposition to longstanding education policies designed to make K-12 schools safer and more inclusive spaces, both for 2SLGBTQIA+ children and everyone in the school community. In the wake of these anti-trans protests, we want to state unequivocally that the BCITFSA opposes any attack on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. That this week’s anti-trans protests are targeting the safety of vulnerable trans children in schools is particularly contemptible. The BCITFSA stands proudly with our trans members and the wider 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We feel that it is important to make a statement given that these events are not “one offs” but part of a wider and well-documented movement to terrorize 2SLGBTQIA+ people and advocates of progressive social and economic change.

Opposing hate is challenging work but it’s easier to do in community with others. The union movement has made significant strides in recent years toward actively opposing hate—fostering policies, education programs, and contract language that promote total solidarity and inclusivity. Our commitment to protecting human rights must continue to extend beyond labour relations to demonstrating solidarity with community members in the face of bigotry and violence. An injury to one is an injury to all.

In support, we would like to share some resources curated from various sources, including the BC Federation of LabourCanadian Anti-Hate Network, and Canadian Labour Congress. We encourage our members to make use of these resources in their own anti-hate activism or to share them with others.

Here’s what you can do:

Finally, we recognize that exposure to this kind of hate speech can have a significant negative impact on anyone and that impact is likely to be greatest on 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and those who care about and for them.  Here are some available resources:

There are dozens of ways that the FSA can help members improve conditions at BCIT and in the wider community Get Involved Please let us know how we can improve this site. We want to hear from you! Website Feedback