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 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.
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 offer tremendous mental health benefits to a young person. This resource answers the question, “what exactly are puberty blockers”?
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!
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.
➤ 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 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!
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.
2021 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
Introduction to Queer Civics
No matter if it’s housing, healthcare, education, transit, or anything in between, every political issue is a queer issue – and every queer issue is a political issue. In this workshop, participants will discover the 2SLGBTQI responsibilities of every aspect of government and what change is needed to create a more inclusive world for 2SLGBTQI people.
Combatting Anti-2SLGBTQI Hate: Advocacy, Activism and Safety
This dynamic and interactive 90-minute workshop empowers individuals and organizations to combat anti-2SLGBTQI hate in Canada. Participants will explore the root causes and key actors perpetuating hate against the 2SLGBTQI community, gaining a deeper understanding of the issue. The workshop will examine the differences and similarities between advocacy and activism, highlighting their roles in the fight for 2SLGBTQI rights and how they can be strategically employed for positive change. Practical skills in planning and executing advocacy communication strategies tailored to combat anti-2SLGBTQI hate will be taught, including social media campaigns and community outreach initiatives. Safety measures for 2SLGBTQI-centred events like Pride festivals will also be addressed, with workshop attendees learning proactive and reactive strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of all event participants while upholding inclusivity and respect.
Combatting Anti-2SLGBTQI Hate: Messaging and Media
An empowering 90-minute interactive workshop focused on understanding and combating anti-2SLGBTQI hate in Canada through messaging and news media. Through interactive discussions, participants will gain comprehensive insights into the root causes of anti-2SLGBTQI hate and examine how news and media influence public perception of the 2SLGBTQI communities. Attendees will learn about Race-Class Narrative as a powerful tool that neutralizes the use of dog-whistling to win on the issues we care about – including combatting 2SLGBTQI hate. Practical guidance will be provided on effectively engaging with news media, including how to navigate complex questions while staying on message. By the end, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of anti-2SLGBTQI hate, media’s role, and practical tools for impactful messaging, contributing to a unified effort in combatting 2SLGBTQI hate.
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
Stay Aware of Egale’s Upcoming Workshops
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.
Conversation Guides
Download the following conversation guides for navigating in ‘dinner-table’-type conversations about 2SLGBTQI issues.
Athletics
and Sports
➤ Resource Coming Soon!
Drag Artists
& Drag Storytime
➤ Resource Coming Soon!
2SLGBTQI Inclusion
in Schools
➤ Resource Coming Soon!
Gender Identity
& Pronouns
➤ Resource Coming Soon!
Gender-Affirming Care
& Transition
➤ Resource Coming Soon!
2SLGBTQI
Representation
➤ Resource Coming Soon!
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
2SLGBTQI Action Around Elections
How do Elections Impact 2SLGBTQI Communities?
Legal Protections: Elections determine the policymakers who make decisions about laws affecting 2SLGBTQI rights. This includes laws related to discrimination, marriage equality, adoption, healthcare access, and more. Electing officials who support 2SLGBTQI rights can lead to the passage of laws that protect and promote equality.
Social Progress: Elections can influence societal attitudes towards 2SLGBTQI individuals. Electing officials who are allies or members of the 2SLGBTQI community can help challenge stereotypes, reduce stigma, and promote acceptance and understanding.
Healthcare Access: Elections often have consequences for healthcare policies, including access to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, mental health services, and transgender healthcare. 2SLGBTQI people may face unique healthcare needs and challenges, and electing officials who prioritize 2SLGBTQI healthcare can improve access and quality of care.
Safety and Security: Hate crimes and discrimination against 2SLGBTQI individuals remain significant issues in Canada. Electing officials who prioritize combating hate crimes and promoting 2SLGBTQI safety can help create safer communities.
In summary, 2SLGBTQI people should care about elections because they have a direct impact on 2SLGBTQI rights, representation, social attitudes, healthcare access, and safety. By participating in elections and supporting candidates who prioritize 2SLGBTQI issues and people, we can help create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Upcoming Federal Election
- Oct 19, 2025
Upcoming Provincial Elections
- Oct 19, 2024: British Columbia
- Oct 21, 2024: New Brunswick
- Oct 28, 2024: Saskatchewan
Upcoming Municipal Elections
- Oct 17, 2024: Yukon Elections
- Oct 19, 2024: Nova Scotia
- Oct 21, 2024: Northwest Territories
- Nov 13, 2024: Saskatchewan
^ All dates listed are the last possible day the election can take place and may not be the actual election date.
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:
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!