You Are Loved

On Wednesday September 20, 2023, far right and anti 2SLGBTQI+ organizations are planning protests against the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Including one in Cobourg These protests are being titled the #1MillionMarch4Children.

  There are counter protests being planned for the same day in Cobourg and Port Hope. These protests are titled “You Are Loved, Day of Action”. In Cobourg, will be held at Victoria Hall, 55 King St. In Port Hope, will be held at Port Hope Town Hall, 56 Queen St. Protests are from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

  Wear Pink and Blue and bring any Pride flags. Bring signs of Love and Support.

The following is a statement from Kimberly McArthur-Jackson. Kim is Co-Chair of Northumberland Coalition for Social Justice, Treasurer of Trent Hills Pride, and Co-Founder of Cobourg and Trent Hills Queer Collectives.

  Pride was born for a number of reasons – the foremost being that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community continually suffered harassment, prejudice, and discrimination for the crime of simply living their lives as themselves. As much as people like to think we’ve moved beyond that, recent events have shown that this is a battle that still must be fought. Anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric and radicalism continue to target the most vulnerable and marginalized folks within our communities – and now they intend to take aim for our children.

   Numerous demonstrations have been planned for September 20th, beneath the banner of “1 Million March 4 Children,” under the guise of seeking to eliminate Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity curriculum and policies from Canadian schools. What they are actually intending to accomplish is the ostracization and marginalization of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, in the hopes of shoving them firmly back into the closet, to silence them and their future 2SLGBTQIA+ brethren. We wholeheartedly and unequivocally condemn these actions, for the very protection of the people these groups claim to be trying to help.

   Medical and mental health experts have long since confirmed that to be 2SLGBTQIA+ is not a lifestyle choice. Science has also confirmed that forcing 2SLGTBQIA+ people to live non-authentic lives is bad for their physical, mental, and emotional health. In light of this, our governments have attempted to protect those in the community within both the Canadian Human Rights Act, and in equivalent provincial legislation.

   In spite of this, there is a growing faction of people who are unwilling to accept the established scientific and legal examples, and allow 2SLGTBQIA+ folks to live their lives in peace. That is why we must be ever vigilant and diligent in calling out bigotry when we see and hear it, and shutting down anti-human rights demonstrations by countering with messages of support, positivity, and love.

   Remember, we are on the right side of history, science, and the law, and are not willing to go back in the closet – ever.

Kim McArthur-Jackson

Northumberland Labour Council strongly opposes any agenda that spreads hate and fear in any form.