September 19, 2023:
Dear FSA Members:
The UFV Faculty and Staff Association stands in solidarity with members of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community who are under attack as a series of hate rallies under the name #1millionmarch4children are planned in communities across BC, including in Chilliwack and Abbotsford, on September 20.
These hate rallies directly attack members of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community who are us, our students, our colleagues, our families, our friends, and our neighbours.
If you want to support counter protests against hate, the BC Labour Against Transphobia Flying Squads list has set up a sign-up form for counter-protesters to connect with each other – there is safety in numbers so please join if you can and share through your trusted networks (not social media): https://forms.gle/9h6mAcK62YLQjeh96
If you can’t leave work to attend a counter protest, support our UFV 2SLGBTQIA+ community on Wednesday by wearing anti-hate buttons or shirts, rainbow motifs, pro Pride, or Trans rights messages.
If you can leave work, the United Way of BC and The BC Federation of Labour are holding a Love is Louder event Sept. 20 from 3-5pm in Sardis Park in Chilliwack.
The following is the BC Federation of Labour statement on standing up against hate:
“The British Columbia Federation of Labour stands firmly and proudly with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the face of a surge of anti-trans hate speech and actions across the country — ranging from regressive and harmful provincial education policy to resolutions passed at this month’s federal Conservative convention.
The same forces who have been using fear, disinformation, conspiracy theories and hate to whip up anti-trans bigotry are now coalescing in hate rallies in communities throughout Canada and BC on September 20. These rallies directly attack the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and the principles of equity and inclusion that are at the heart of labour solidarity.
It is outrageous that these organizations use the well-being of children as a pretext for hate. They are notoriously silent when it comes to the real needs of children, including decent, affordable childcare; a well-funded public education system; living wages and higher income and disability assistance rates for parents; affordable housing for families; and action to ensure a livable world for future generations. And they show no concern for the mental health of the trans kids and teenagers harmed by their hateful portrayal of trans people.
While the organizations’ rhetoric invokes a range of alt-right conspiracies and talking points, the events in BC specifically target our SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity)-inclusive education, which helps to represent the diversity of families in BC. Along with the BC Teachers’ Federation, we stand with teachers and impacted students in BC against hate — and in full support of SOGI and other resources that make our schools more inclusive and welcoming for all students.
It's important that our community and our movement show, as we have time and again, that we reject hate and bigotry in all their forms. There are many ways to show your support:
- Join BCFED and union leaders and members at one of the many grassroots counter-protests being organized throughout BC. You can find information on them here.
- Encourage our political leaders and your MLA to condemn these actions. You can find their contact information here.
- Consider making a financial or in-kind donation to local groups and networks that are coordinating counter-protest actions, as these are often led by trans and queer volunteers. Contact a local group to see what help they need most.
As we know only too well, these groups will not stop at targeting 2SLGBTQIA+ people. And recent incidents of violence and harassment in BC and across Canada make the real impact of this kind of hate starkly clear. Trans bodies and lives are on the line, and it’s up to all of us to take a stand. An injury to one truly is an injury to all.”
Resources:
For 2SLGBTQIA+ community members who are impacted by the ongoing rise in hate speech and rallies and need support, here are some resources available to you:
- Trans Care BC
- Catherine White Holman Wellness Centre
- Transgender Map of resources
- 2 Spirits of BC
- Gender Generations Project
Additional UFV Resource for anyone experiencing distress during this time:
Employee and Family Assistance Plan
In solidarity,
FSA Executive
University of the Fraser Valley Faculty & Staff Association
33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8
Building B | Room 346
Direct Tel: 604-854-4530
Toll-Free: 1-888-504-7441 local 4530
[email protected]
www.ufv-fsa.ca
Got a question?
If you have a question about your rights under the collective agreement or if you have workplace concerns, you can find a list of FSA officers and their contact info at www.ufv-fsa.ca.
