A Kelowna City councillor has spoken out against the 1 Million March for Children event that took place across the country on Sept. 20.
“Freedom of expression must never trample upon the rights of others to live without prejudice. For that reason, I do not support this event,” said councillor Loyal Wooldridge.
According to the organizers of the event, the march is intended to encourage government and school boards to “(eliminate) the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) curriculum, pronouns, gender ideology and mixed bathrooms in schools.”
SOGI 123 is a set of resources that was implemented across B.C. to be used by teachers, families and students to help educate on 2SLGBTQIA+ and the issues the queer community faces.
READ MORE: ‘SOGI education directly saves lives’: CMHA Vernon
Gender and sexual identity-inclusive education is not a formal class, but rather a resource designed to help educators, parents and students feel more comfortable with their own, and other’s unique identity.
All people, including heterosexual and cis-gendered folks, have a sexual orientation and gender identity and use pronouns like he, she and they.
Queer advocates across Kelowna spoke out against the anti-SOGI march and called on public officials to denounce the “hateful and harmful” messaging being promoted by the March for Children event organizers.
“The consequences of remaining silent in the face of hatred are great,” said Carrie Broughton – the founder of Trans Parent Okanagan, a non-profit organization developed by and for parents and caregivers of trans, gender diverse, and two-spirit people.
Capital News asked the City of Kelowna, and Members of Parliament Dan Albas and Tracy Gray for a statement ahead of the event and did not receive a reply. This article will be updated if a statement is provided.
Wooldridge has been an outspoken advocate for the queer community throughout his career.
“The movement against the transgender community has been growing to intentionally dehumanize people. Events that target marginalized members of our community are harmful,” said Wooldridge.
The councillor explained that discrimination against transgender and queer people is real. He said that combating anti-trans hate and discrimination demands a concerted effort to educate the public while holding space for underrepresented voices in our community.
“As a society, we all have a responsibility to support one another, especially young people, in order for them to be their true selves, unencumbered by fear… We hold the power to shape a future where dignity and acceptance prevail.”
In response to the demonstrations the Central Okanagan Board of Education also reiterated its commitment to safe and inclusive places to learn.
“We do not tell people who they should be, we welcome everyone as they are. We will always uphold the safety and human rights of students and staff. This is why we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that vulnerable young people can have a sense of belonging so they can focus on their learning priorities,” stated SD 23.
About 500 people with the anti-SOGI march gathered downtown Kelowna for the demonstration. While Queer advocacy organizations across Kelowna have spoken out against the anti-SOGI march the Kelowna Pride Society decided to not host a counter-protest and will be hosting a gender-affirming rally in October, however, several 2SLGBTQIA+ supporters did appear at the march with signs promoting inclusivity and acceptance.
READ MORE: Queer advocates speak out against anti-gender education march in Kelowna
“We must remember that the majority of our community may not be the loudest,” said Wooldridge.
The Canadian Mental Health Association is offering support to those feeling affected by anti-SOGI actions and messaging:
• Interior Crisis Line Network (24/7): 1-888-353-2273
• Provincial Suicide Prevention Service- (24/7): 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433
• Mental Health Support Line (24/7): 310-6789
• Talk Suicide (24/7): 1-833-456-4566
• Talk Suicide Text (11am-11pm): 45645
• Kid’s Help Phone (24/7): 1-800-668-6868
• Kid’s Help Text (24/7): 686868