Protect Trans Kids (again)! Rally against anti-2SLGTBQIA+ hate!

Once again, anti-2SLGBTQIA+ activists are planning to rally on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on October 21st, as well as in cities all across the country in a coordinated campaign against 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in the education system.

While they claim to be in support of “parental rights,” this is nothing more than yet another anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate rally, and the policies they advocate for would bring harm to 2SLGBQIA+ and in particular trans youth.

Local protests are being led by Kamel El-Cheikh, a virulently homophobic far-right activist who has threatened to “come after all your pride events” and “take all your pride flags down” on livestreams. Kamel also regularly accuses 2SLGBTQIA+ people of being pedophiles and perverts.

These protests come as Saskatchewan recently tabled a bill invoking the notwithstanding clause to pass anti-trans legislation that a judge had already found would cause irreparable harm. Recent comments from from Doug Ford as well as Education Minister Steven Lecce have floated similar policies in Ontario, making it that much more important that we show our opposition to the anti-2SLGBTQIA+ agenda being pushed by the far right..

Only a few weeks ago, we came together and showed that the voices of these homophobic and transphobic bigots do not represent the majority and do not represent our community. We must come together once again anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate being pushed by the far right.

That’s why, on October 21st, we are going to be gathering in front of the Human Rights Memorial to show our support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and our opposition to the so-called “parents rights” agenda that is nothing more than thinly veiled homophobia and transphobia.

As always, review the Safety Plan to see how to best keep yourself and your friends safe. In particular:

• Do not give interviews to far right media outlets or “independent journalists”
• Don’t debate far-right trolls. Drown them out with chants and noise! Especially if they are filming or livestreaming and looking for content.
• Do not film supporters without their permission, and do not livestream. Do film the far right, fake journalists, and the police in order to protect yourself and your friends.
• Protect your identity. Mask up, and use signs, flags, umbrellas, etc., to protect yourself from being photographed by far right activists or fake news outlets.
• Do not talk to the police
• Maintain situational awareness, and watch each others’ backs
• Try to arrive and leave as a group
• Check the weather, drive safely and dress appropriately! Give yourself plenty of time to arrive!

We are also encouraging people to contact their representatives – in particular school trustees and MPPs – to express their support for gender-affirming policies and inclusive education, and their opposition to any policies that would forcibly out trans youth.

For additional information on who is behind these anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate rallies, please see our (parody – but informative!) website 1 Million March for Children.

Please promote this event to your networks! If you are able to assist on the day of the event, please contact us at communitysolidarityottawa@gmail.com