Tomorrow, Wednesday September 20th, a nation-wide anti-2SLGBTQ+ protest called ‘1 Million March for Children’ is planned to take place in over 70 cities in so-called Canada. One such protest is planned to take place in Tiohtià:ke (colonially known as Montreal), just outside the Roddick Gates of McGill University at 9AM. As part of a wave of counter-mobilisations, Queer McGill is organizing a counter-protest in support of trans rights at 8AM, also at the Roddick Gates. Others who are unable to attend are signing Queer Momentum’s petition, writing to their MHAs and MPs, and donating to local queer organizers.
The “Million March for Children” seeks to eliminate any mention of LGBT people in Canadian school curriculum and policies. These protests have backing from a big tent of far-right Nationalist, religious, conspiracy theorist, and anti-public education groups.
These protests come at a time of rising anti-2SLGBTQ+ and especially anti-trans youth sentiment across so-called Canada. Notably, earlier this month, at its members’ convention, the Conservative Party of Canada voted for criminalizing gender-affirming care for trans youth. Also, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick’s education ministries have denied trans youth under 16 the right to use the name and pronouns of their choosing at school without parental consent; and Ontario’s minister of education and Manitoba’s lead election contender have expressed interest in enacting similar policies.
The SSMU strongly supports the work of queer and trans activists, including Queer McGill and their allies, in their counter protest efforts. We encourage students and local residents to attend the counter protest on Wednesday, September 20th at 8am in front of Roddick Gates! Bring signs, masks, and follow safety protocols. To those engaged in this struggle, we will continue to help you in any way you need. Our door is always open! You can email external@ssmu.ca for mobilization needs and ua@ssmu.ca for advocacy needs.
