Our agency was made aware of a second wave of local and nation-wide demonstrations on October 23rd under the “1 Million March 4 Children” banner at legislatures, city halls, and school board offices. These demonstrations seek to eliminate Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) curriculum and policies from Canadian schools.
Our agency and CUPE Local 5319 continue to stand together to support the 2S-LGBTQ+ community, staff and the children and youth we serve and their families. We have reached out to our local police, school Boards, OACAS, CMHO and the Gilbert Centre among others towards safety planning, community support and/or shared communication.
We can only imagine how scary, anxiety-filled and psychologically distressing it must be for those we serve and those who are part of our agency, communities/families, as they worry about their safety and well-being. We stand firmly against all forms of violence, hate, intolerance and attempts at erasure.
Flyers also continue being circulated—asking students to leave their home schools and meet-up and march to city hall in protest (and to protest). The above is being orchestrated by outside community groups and are in no way connected or supported by both schools or their board. We where also made aware of a counter protest being planned at both Barrie and Muskoka city halls.
You can find additional resources on this page: 2S-LGBTQIA+ Resources
If you or anyone you know needs support, please reach out.
