United for All partners are disheartened to see anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric guiding the “1 Million March 4 Children” event on Parliament Hill this morning.
We stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, specifically with trans, gender-diverse, and queer youth. Your gender identity, or who you love, should never compromise your right to safety, your access to essential services, or your ability to achieve success.
The rising hate and discrimination against 2SLGBTQIA+ communities prevent people from feeling safe. We know:
- 2SLGBTQIA+ youth face higher risks of suicide, substance use challenges and homelessness compared to heterosexual or cisgender youth because of the marginalization and exclusion they face throughout their lives.
- Trans children and youth continue to be disproportionately targeted with discriminatory policies which threaten their safety and wellbeing.
- Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community face challenges in accessing essential services like counselling, healthcare or social groups—places that should be inclusive.
We believe that everyone, especially trans youth and other members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, deserves the chance to be heard, included, supported, and celebrated for who they are.
A society where the safety and wellbeing of any one group is compromised or rejected is not a free and just society for everyone.
We stand with those who continue to be affected by this rise in hate.
About United for All
United for All is a coalition of 44 organizations representing 150+ partners who are all committed to overcoming hate-based violence, racism, and extremism in East Ontario.
Since 2016, this growing partnership has brought together social service agencies, faith-based organizations, policymakers, human rights groups, health providers, school boards and post-secondary institutions, grassroots social justice groups, criminal justice professionals, cultural groups and more – all with the common mission to build safe, compassionate, resilient communities for everyone.
