Through our affiliation with the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators (FPSE), the CCFA is a member of the larger labour organization the British Columbia Federation of Labour. The British Columbia Federation of Labour (BCFED) represents over half a million workers engaged in every part of the BC economy, through more than 50 affiliated unions with over 800 locals. They tirelessly work to protect workers rights, especially the most marginalized among us, our 2SLGBTQIA+ community and racialized workers. This is a repost of their press release condemning the spread of anti-trans rhetoric in Canada.

Standing up against anti-trans hate on September 20, and always

[Released: September 15, 2023] (Unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories — Burnaby, BC) — 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.

• 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: https://www.leg.bc.ca/learn-about-us/members.
• Ask BC’s Human Rights Commissioner to publicly denounce this direct invasion of human rights and the BC Human Rights Code: email ac.sthgirnamuhcb@ofni.
• 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.

BC’s labour movement stands shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with trans workers and communities throughout our province and our country – on September 20, and always.
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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: http://www.phsa.ca/transcarebc/
• Catherine White Holman Wellness Centre: https://cwhwc.com/resources/
• Transgender Map of resources: https://www.transgendermap.com/resources/canada/british-columbia/
• 2 Spirits of BC: https://2spiritsbc.com/resource-list/
• Gender Generations Project: https://www.gendergenerations.org/resources/