Rainbow Action Hub
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About the Rainbow Action Hub
It’s no secret that 2SLGBTQI communities, our rights, and our freedoms are under attack. There has been an exponential rise in anti-2SLGBTQI and hate-fueled movements across Canada. We see it in the anti-trans policies and policy proposals emerging provincially and federally, and in the rising rates of hate crimes, hate speech, and hate in the form of coordinated anti-trans protests in cities across Canada.
Egale Canada’s Rainbow Action Hub is your 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.
2SLGBTQI organizations, activists, and advocates can utilize the Rainbow Action Hub’s education and resources in various ways to combat anti-2SLGBTQI hate:
- Access resources
- Attend workshops
- Learn how to craft messaging and work with news media
- Connect with your local 2SLGBTQI organization(s)
- Create change through elections
- Support Egale Canada’s legal action and advocacy
The Rainbow Action Hub will be updated regularly with information and tools that respond to current affairs. If you have suggestions for tools you’d like to see on the Rainbow Action Hub send us an email at communications@egale.ca
Resources
The rise in anti-2SLGBTQI hate is directly linked to the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Coordinated anti-trans movements rely on the general public’s lack of familiarity with trans and gender diverse people to disseminate harmful disinformation. Egale Canada is creating resources to empower 2SLGBTQI organizations, advocates and activists with the knowledge they need to adequately have educated conversations about these complex topics.
Is there a topic or issue you’d like to see added below? Contact us at communications@egale.ca.
Featured Resource
2SLGBTQI Event Safety Toolkits
Guides for 2SLGBTQI people and allies on how to stay safe amid rising levels of anti-2SLGBTQI hate at public events.
- Pride Safety Toolkit for Event Attendees
- Pride Safety Toolkit for Event Organizers
- 2SLGBTQI Protest Safety Guide
The Pride Safety Toolkits were developed by Egale Canada and Fierté Canada Pride with support from the Canadian Anti-Hate Network.
Current Provincial Affairs
It’s no secret that 2SLGBTQI communities, our rights, and our freedoms are under attack. Across Canada, we’re seeing anti-trans policies and policy proposals emerging provincially and federally.
‘Egale Explains’ Resources
What is Transition?
People transition for a variety of reasons, primarily related to gender identity. Use this resource to understand what transition can include.
What Are Puberty Blockers?
Puberty blockers can offer tremendous mental health benefits to a young person. This resource answers the question, “What exactly are puberty blockers?”
Trans Women in Sport
There’s lots of misinformation in the world about trans women participating in sport. Use this resource to understand what trans-inclusive sport actually looks like.
What is Detransition?
Some people undergo some form of gender transition and decide to halt or reverse the transition process. Use this resource to accurately understand what detransition is and how to de-weaponize the detransition narrative.
➤ Resource coming soon!
What is Drag and What Are Drag Storytimes?
During this time of rising 2SLGBTQI-hate, much of the hate is aimed at drag artists and family-friendly drag storytimes. Use this resource to accurately explain what each of these art forms are.
➤ Resource coming soon!
What’s at Stake For Young People?
With the rise of so-called “school pronoun policies” use the resource to understand what’s at stake when young people who are forced to choose between being outed to their families and being misgendered at school.
➤ Resource coming soon!
What is a Hate Crime?
In common language, we often use the term ‘hate crime’ whenever hate occurs. However, it is important to know that ‘hate crime’ has a specific definition in criminal law. Use this resource to understand how to accurately talk about hate crime.
➤ Resource coming soon!
Why is the UK’s Cass Review Harmful?
The Cass Review is a review of the UK’s healthcare services for trans and nonbinary children and youth. The Cass Review has been widely criticized by human rights organizations. Use this resource to understand why.
➤ Resource coming soon!
Research Says…
An important tactic in combating hate is presenting facts. Egale Canada has a plethora of research to support you in combating anti-2SLGBTQI hate.
2022 Police-Reported Hate Crimes
From Statistics Canada: the number of police-reported hate crimes targeting sexual orientation continues to increase every year.
Still in Every Class, in Every School Report
Still in Every Class in Every School (Peter, Campbell & Taylor, 2021) surveyed students across Canada about their experiences with homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, harassment, mental health and sense of safety, and support at school.
Working for Change Report
Egale Canada’s Working for Change report examines the workplace experiences, barriers to employment, and discrimination faced by Two Spirit, trans, and nonbinary people.
Pride Unravelled Report
Egale Canada’s Pride Unravelled report tracked the number of anti-2SLGBTQI protests and instances of online hate in Canada from January-March 2023.
2SLGBTQI Inclusion Resources
Studies show that one of the best ways to combat hate is through education. Egale is proud to have a variety of educational resources to help you on your knowledge journey.
Introduction to 2SLGBTQI Inclusion
Further In-Depth Education
- Preparing Students for the Transition of a Trans or Gender Diverse Peer
- Draw-The-Line – Against Transphobic Violence in Schools
- 2SLGBTQI Sports Inclusion: Playbook to breaking down barriers
- Tips on how to practice 2SLGBTQI Allyship
- Toilet Training: The basics of making your washrooms inclusive for everyone
- Supporting Your Gender Diverse Child
Workshops
To make change at the local level in every corner of the country, Egale Canada is working to empower on-the-ground, local organizations and activists so they have the knowledge and resources they need to make a difference and combat the rise in anti-2SLGBTQI hate.
Rainbow Action Workshops
Workshop 101
Anti-2SLGBTQI Hate: What It Is and What We Can Do About It
This session covers:
- Defining Anti-2SLGBTQI Hate in Canada
- The Players and Causes of Hate
- Advocacy, Activism and Visibility
Read Full Description
This introductory session will provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal definitions hate motivated hate in Canada as well as anti-2SLGBTQI hate in Canada, delving into its historical and contemporary contexts. Participants will explore the various players and causes that contribute to the perpetuation of hate, gaining insights into the social, cultural, and political factors at play. Additionally, the workshop will focus on effective strategies for advocacy, activism, and visibility, empowering attendees to support and amplify the voices of the 2SLGBTQI community.
Workshop 201a
Safer 2SLGBTQI Events Amid Rising Anti-2SLGBTQI Hate
This session covers:
- Planning and Implementing Safer Events
- Safety for Event Attendees
- De-escalation Communication
Read Full Description
This session is designed to equip 2SLGBTQI event organizers with the knowledge and tools to ensure safer gatherings amid rising anti-2SLGBTQI hate. This session will cover essential strategies for planning and implementing events that prioritize the safety of 2SLGBTQI attendees. Participants will learn best practices for safeguarding event spaces and protecting those in attendance, as well as effective de-escalation communication techniques to handle encounters with hateful protestors. By the end of this workshop, attendees will be prepared to create inclusive, secure, and supportive events for 2SLGBTQI communities amidst growing challenges.
Workshop 201b
Advocacy Communications to Combat Anti-2SLGBTQI Hate
This session covers:
- Communications Strategies & Tactics
- Crafting Impactful Messaging
- Media Relations
Read Full Description
This session is designed to enhance your any organization’s skills in advocating for the 2SLGBTQI community through a communications lense. This session will delve into effective communications strategies and tactics, equipping participants with the tools to craft impactful messaging that resonates and drives change. Additionally, attendees will learn how to navigate media relations to amplify their advocacy efforts and counteract anti-2SLGBTQI hate. By the end of this workshop, participants will be prepared to communicate powerfully and persuasively, fostering a more inclusive and supportive society.
Session Delivery Offerings
| # | Workshop(s) Included | Length of Workshop | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Workshop 101 | 30-minutes | Didactic Session |
| B | Workshop 101 + 201a OR 201b | 120-minutes (2 hours) | Interactive Session |
| C | Workshop 101 + 201a + 202b | 180-minutes (3 hours) | Interactive Session |
Stay Informed of Upcoming Sessions
From time-to-time, Egale Canada will be providing free public sessions of our anti-2SLGBTQI hate workshops. To stay aware of these sessions sign-up to our email list.
Listening to the needs of local on-the-ground organizations is key to success. If you have suggestions for training and webinars that would be beneficial reach out to communications@egale.ca
Workplace Inclusion Training
Egale Canada offers private, public and not-for-profit sector organizations reliable, high-quality training and development for professional, management and organizational development on both a local and national scale. We aim to help clients develop the strategy, motivation, and accountability required to foster 2SLGBTQI inclusion and safer space.
Hire Egale for your next workplace training!
Media & Messaging
The rise in anti-2SLGBTQI hate is often coordinated and has strategic messaging attached to it. To counter this hate, it’s important to have messaging that is purposeful, strategic and direct.
Whether you’re talking to your local news reporter or a family member at the kitchen table, messaging has the power to shape attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours, making them indispensable tools in the fight against anti-2SLGBTQI hate and the promotion of equality, dignity, and respect for all individuals.
Featured Resource
Inclusive Narratives: A Messaging Guide for 2SLGBTQI Advocacy
We have created this guide to provide the tools needed by advocates and organizations to develop effective messaging to combat the ongoing rise in anti-2SLGBTQI hate.
The content in this guide was informed by We Will Win: Guide to Campaign Messaging in Support of Trans Youth. While We Will Win remains applicable for messaging in support of trans youth, this guide has been developed for broader use by all 2SLGBTQI advocates and organizations.
Difficult Conversation Guide
This resource is designed to empower you with the knowledge you need to have the difficult conversations needed to tackle anti-2SLGBTQI hate, and help familiarize members of your community with the issues facing trans and gender diverse people across Canada.
2SLGBTQI Advocacy Communications Toolkit
Trying to combat anti-2SLGBTQI hate? Use our 2SLGBTQI Advocacy Communications Toolkit to plan a successful advocacy communications campaign
Connect with your
Local 2SLGBTQI Organizations
Canada is full of 2SLGBTQI organizations of every size. Working with local organizations is crucial when combating anti-2SLGBTQI hate because they bring contextual understanding, community trust, tailored interventions, rapid response capabilities, capacity building, an intersectional approach, policy advocacy, and long-term sustainability to the fight against discrimination and prejudice.
Use this page to discover local organizations near you for collaboration to combat anti-2SLGBTQI hate.
Find Your Local 2SLGBTQI Organization
Don’t see your local 2SLGBTQI organization? Let us know communications@egale.ca
Egale’s Legal Action and Government Advocacy
In recent years, there has been a marked increase in hate against 2SLGBTQI communities and individuals in Canada and around the world. We’ve seen it online, in official statistics on police-reported hate crime, and in the backlash against 2SLGBTQI public community events and symbols of inclusion.
Alongside our research and public education work, Egale has intervened in several cases to protect 2SLGBTQI people’s rights and reputations in these times of rising hatred. Our Director of Legal, Bennett Jensen, is also currently representing the UR Pride Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity alongside counsel from McCarthy Tétrault LLP in litigation challenging the constitutionality of Saskatchewan’s requirement that school staff can only use young gender diverse people’s chosen names and pronouns with parental consent.
Recent Legal Action:
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Thank You to the Rainbow Action Hub Partners
Egale Canada would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Rainbow Action Hub partners for their invaluable support and generosity. Without their dedication and investment, our progress in combatting the rise in anti-2SLGBTQI hate would not be possible.
Please shop our partners’ marketplace to support our critical work:
Support the Rainbow Action Hub
Your donation will go towards our litigation and advocacy efforts, which include initiating and supporting litigation to combat discriminatory government policies and legislation, and making that work accessible to the public. Our aim is to help create a world, without homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and all other forms of oppression so that every person can achieve their full potential, free from hatred and bias.
Do you find the Rainbow Action Hub helpful? Donate to Egale so we can continue this work!