Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2024
In Canada, one of our core shared values is that everyone – no matter what part of the country they live in – should feel safe to be their authentic self. But in recent months, some of our political leaders have been contributing to the spread of hateful disinformation that is threatening the safety, freedoms, and rights of 2SLGBTQI people – especially those who are Two Spirit, trans, nonbinary, and/or gender non-conforming.
We are continuing to see an undeniable rise in anti-2SLGBTQI and anti-trans hate spreading across the country. Just last week, news was released that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is warning that serious violence against the 2SLGBTQI community will be an ongoing threat throughout the coming year. We know that this increased threat of violence is directly linked to the spread of hateful disinformation.
This is why the transphobic comments made today by Pierre Poilievre are especially irresponsible and dangerous.
As Canada’s leading organization for 2SLGBTQI people and issues, Egale Canada is calling on Pierre Poilievre, and all of our political leaders, to immediately stop contributing to the spread of harmful disinformation. It is more urgent than ever that we all work together to take action to end the violence against 2SLGBTQI people in our country.
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Representatives from Egale Canada are available for further comment on this matter. To schedule an interview please email: media@egale.ca.
Egale Canada has launched the Rainbow Action Hub – a one-stop shop for the why and how to combat the rise of anti-2SLGBTQI hate in Canada. The hub includes resources, tools, education, and information aimed at 2SLGBTQI organizations, advocates and activists.