STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO UPCOMING ANTI-TRANS RALLY

In solidarity with the Vancouver Pride Society:
​Vancouver Pride Society believes that trans, non-binary and gender diverse people deserve respect, dignity, safety and belonging in our society. We are deeply saddened and frustrated by an upcoming event with a focus on anti-trans sentiments that is planned for later this week. We do not wish to publicize or give any air-time to this event. If you would like to know more, please contact us at [email protected].
The speakers who are scheduled express disturbing and uneducated anti-trans rhetoric that is harmful and dangerous to trans, non-binary and gender diverse youth and adults. In addition to the abhorrent ideologies this event will promote, this organized event is putting people at risk and flies in the face of current provincial health orders of ‘no gatherings of over 10 people’. 
Vancouver Pride Society, Qmunity, Rainbow Refugee, PFLAG Vancouver, PFLAG Canada and CampOUT have called upon the City of Vancouver’s Mayor and Council to instruct the Vancouver Police Department to be on-site ahead of time to issue fines or disperse the event in the case of more than 10 people in attendance, as it has done so for other event organizers. Furthermore, we have asked the City of Vancouver council and staff to examine how to keep groups that express these harmful ideologies from having a public, civic space to do so. 
Normally, the LGBTQAI2S+ community would come together in a manner that would uplift and centre gender diverse people, however, due to the current provincial health guidelines, the rise in COVID-19 cases, as well as, caring for the overall health and well-being of our community, we know it is not prudent nor safe to do a public call for any kind of in-person, face-to-face gathering or protest.  VPS and several other queer serving organizations are planning something that is Covid safe behind the scenes. If you are interested in participating, please contact us at [email protected]. 
We will continue to work to protect and advocate for trans, non-binary and gender diverse folks. 
Here are some resources for any trans, non-binary or gender diverse folks who may need support at this time. 

• Trans LifeLine, 24-hr crisis call centre; www.translifeline.com or 1.877.330.6366
• QMUNITY Youth Worker: Han, [email protected]
• QMUNITY Counselling Services: Jennie, [email protected]