March 21, 2023:
Dear members:
As anti-trans legislation is being proposed and passed in the US, we offer our care, warmth and solidarity to our trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming faculty and staff. We stand with you and work to protect and secure your rights and working conditions here at UFV. Many in the 2SLGBTQI+ community, including myself, are feeling grief, anger and fear for ourselves and/or our loved ones, as trans people are targeted again by individuals, governments, and systems.
In May, anti-trans speaker, Jordan Peterson, will be speaking at the Abbotsford Centre. We at the FSA vehemently oppose his harmful views and have reached out to local organizations and union leaders about the possibility of a peaceful protest on the evening of his talk. We must ensure that our trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming faculty, staff and students feel safe, respected, included and protected. We will keep you updated on any planned actions that work toward that goal.
Safety, security and dignity are human rights. Trans rights are human rights. Trans people have always existed and will never be erased or made invisible.
In support and solidarity, please sign the petition for the House of Commons to extend to transgender and nonbinary people the right to claim asylum in Canada by reason of eliminationist laws in their home countries, whatever country that may be: https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Sign/e-4268
In love and solidarity,
Toni Latour
FSA Non-Regular Exec Member
