June is Pride Month in Canada—a time dedicated to celebrating 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities across Canada, advocating for equal rights, and fostering a world where everyone can embrace their true selves without fear, violence or discrimination.
Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall riots of June 1969, which marked a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTI+ rights in the United States and beyond. Since then, Pride Month has grown as a global movement, encompassing celebrations, activism, and solidarity. Pride Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTI+ communities globally, from stigma, discrimination, violence and rights violations.
Rising anti-2SLGBTQQIA+ hate
Across Canada, 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities are facing unprecedented attacks on their rights and freedoms. Throughout 2024, we witnessed an exponential rise in anti-2SLGBTQQIA+ movements, provincial and federal anti-trans policies and legislative changes and a general rise in technology-facilitated gender-based violence, hate crimes, harassment, harmful political rhetoric and the spread of misinformation and disinformation regarding 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities. We need urgent action to prevent anti-2SLGBTQQIA+ hate from gaining more traction!
Call on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Government of Canada to reaffirm support and solidarity for 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities in Canada.
Take action during Pride Month in Canada and beyond
- Learn more: Take the time to learn about the history of the LGBTI+ rights movements, including key events, figures, and challenges. Understanding the struggles and triumphs of the past is essential for creating a more inclusive and supportive future.
Read Amnesty International Canada’s statement about Alberta’s anti-trans policy measures: Alberta: Halt: Anti-2SLGBTQQIA+ Policy Measures
Read Amnesty International Canada’s new report about online threats, harms and violence faced by women and LGBTI+ activists in Thailand since the 2014 military coup: “Being ourselves is too dangerous”: Digital violence and the silencing of women and LGBTI activists in Thailand
- Listen to 2SLGBTQQIA+ Voices: Amplify the voices of 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members by listening to their stories, experiences, and perspectives. Seek out literature, films, podcasts, blogs, interviews and other media created by and for 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities.
Read Amnesty International Canada’s #16Days of Activism Blog Series (November 25-December 10) that shares written pieces by Indigenous, Black and racialized women, Two-Spirit and LGBTI+ communities and highlights intersectional perspectives on a range of topics!
- Speak up for #RainbowEquality: Use your voice and influence to advocate for 2SLGBTQQIA+ rights in your community, workplace, and beyond.
Sign Queer Momentum’s Pledge to Defend Rainbow Equality and share it on your social media. Once you have taken the pledge, a unique visual will be created that you can share. We encourage you to share your unique visual on social media along with a solidarity message.
Here are some sample solidarity messages:
Sample 1: As the (insert elected office) for (insert constituency) I am proud to sign @queermomentum’s Pledge to Defend Rainbow Equality. I will always speak up to defend the human rights and dignity of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Canada.
Sample 2: Alongside thousands of people across Canada I am speaking up for #RainbowEquality. That’s why I’m proud to sign @queermomentum’s Pledge to Defend Rainbow Equality! Learn more about how you can support a more free and equal Canada: www.rainbowequality.ca
- Advocate for a more free and equal Canada: take action to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, and speak out against discrimination and prejudice.
Send a letter to your Member of Parliament urging them to speak up and take action for #RainbowEquality!
Write a letter to Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith urging her to halt the Province’s recent harmful anti-trans sweeping policy measures!
Send a message to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau demanding respect for the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples to their ancestral and unceded lands and the full protection of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ land and water defenders from anti-Indigenous racism, colonialism, sexual and gender-based violence.
- Celebrate Diversity: Embrace and celebrate SOGI diversity by attending Pride events, marches, and gatherings. Show your support by proudly displaying symbols of pride, such as rainbow flags, pins, or clothing, and encourage others to do the same.
Attend an event or rally near you:
Toronto
City of Toronto Pride Month Launch and Progress Flag Raising, June 3rd 2024
For details about the various locations for flag raising, please visit: www.toronto.ca/pridemonth
Saskatoon
Flag-raising and Opening Ceremony, June 9th 2024
For information about all events, please visit: https://saskatoonpride.ca/prideevents/
Ottawa
Capital Pride Parade, August 5th 2024
Support 2SLGBTQQIA+ Led and Serving Organizations and Initiatives
- Are you an Indigenous, Black or racialized woman and/or 2SLGBTQQIA+ advocate, activist, journalist or defender who has experienced online harm due to their activism? You may want to learn more about how you can contribute to Amnesty International Canada’s research project on technology-facilitated gender-based violence as a potential research participant. For more details, please email AICESC’s Gender Rights Campaigner at: SendUsYourFeedback@amnesty.ca
- Are you a 2SLGBTQQIA+ advocate belonging to a rural, remote or northern community looking to grow their 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy capacity and connect with other advocates/organizers? Join Momentum Canada’s Rural, Remote and Northern Queer Advocacy Program!
- Share your time, money and resources with 2SLGBTQQIA+-led organizations that provide support, advocacy, and services to community members. You can volunteer at 2SLGBTQQIA+-led community centers, participate in fundraising events, or simply raise awareness.
- Be an accomplice to 2SLGBTQQIA+ friends, family members, colleagues, and acquaintances by offering your unconditional acceptance, love, and support. Create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and free to be themselves.
