National 2SLGBTQI+ organizations The Enchanté Network, JusticeTrans, Egale Canada, and the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD) have come together to denounce violent online attacks directed towards OutLoud North Bay this past week.
OutLoud North Bay, a member of The Enchanté Network, was swarmed with hateful emails and messages on social media this past week, after a post advertising their youth drag show was highlighted by American anti-trans hate account @LibsofTikTok.
These hate-filled messages came primarily from the United States, illuminating a cross-border spread of the hate towards transgender and 2SLGBTQI+ people that has accompanied recent anti-trans legislation across the US.
In their analysis of police-reported hate crimes and incidents, the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics (CCJCSS) found that individuals who are victims of hate crimes based on their sexual orientation tended to be younger than victims of other hate crimes (2020).
Jaime Sadgrove, Manager of Communications and Advocacy at CCGSD states, “We… are dismayed at the rising tide of hate being directed at 2SLGBTQ+ spaces, particularly those reserved for youth. Having a safe and supportive space to be creative is essential for all young people, especially for those who are vulnerable.”
Further, CCJCSS finds that 80% of police-reported hate crimes motivated by hatred of gender-diverse people are violent in nature (2020). As JusticeTrans states, “Having access to safe and supportive community, like the one provided by OutLoud North Bay, is essential for Two Spirit and trans justice. This week…we saw the global rise in transphobia and transmisogyny further threaten spaces where 2SLGBTQI+ youth feel safe to be themselves. Now more than ever, we need everyone to stand loud and strong against this hatred.”
Egale has been monitoring hate and hateful incidents towards 2SLGBTI+ peoples and communities. “Unfortunately, these types of incidents happen all too often. Many never get reported. We need to recognize these incidents for what they are; they are hate motivated and they’re harmful,” says Helen Kennedy, Executive Director of Egale Canada.
Certain 2SLGBTQI+ communities remain more vulnerable to these attacks. Tyler Boyce, Executive Director of The Enchanté Network states, “Our network includes organizations that specifically support transgender and Queer, Trans Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (QTBIPOC); we know that our communities are disproportionally made targets of hate, violence and direct attacks.”
He continues, “These tactics will not work; we will never be silenced. Our movement is too strong, our communities too resourceful, and our brilliance undeniable. Enchanté and Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ communities stand strong with OutLoud North Bay.”
Statement from The Enchanté Network
“Online hate is an isolation tactic, attempting to divide our 2SLGBTQI+ communities and silence us into conformity. As a nearly 200 member strong network of 2SLGBTQI+ organizations across the country, we stand united with our member OutLoud North Bay against waves of hate, and have connected with them to provide support, love, and care during this time.
This wave is one part of a rising tide of hate, swelling both across the border and here at home. Many of our members know first-hand the disruption and devastation that targeted hate attacks, online or in person, can have on a 2SLGBTQI+ organization’s staff, volunteers, and communities. Our network includes organizations that specifically support transgender and Queer, Trans Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (QTBIPOC); we know that our communities are disproportionally made targets of hate, violence and direct attacks.
Rural, remote, and smaller cities’ 2SLGBTQI+ organizations face greater risks and impacts from coordinated hate attacks. The Enchanté Network will continue to call for further resourcing and funding for these organizations at the national, provincial, and local levels.
These tactics of hate will not work; we will never be silenced. Our movement is too strong, our communities too resourceful, and our brilliance undeniable. Enchanté, and Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ communities stand strong with OutLoud North Bay.” – Tyler Boyce, Executive Director, The Enchanté Network
Statement from CCGSD
“All of us at the CCGSD stand in solidarity with OutLoud North Bay and their community. We are heartbroken by the events of the last several days, and are dismayed at the rising tide of hate being directed at 2SLGBTQ+ spaces, particularly those reserved for youth. Having a safe and supportive space to be creative is essential for all young people, especially for those who are vulnerable. Regardless of whether it’s in a Halloween costume, for a special occasion, or for a youth drag show, dressing up is a normal and healthy part of human development. On behalf of CCGSD staff, board, and volunteers, #IStandWithOutLoud.
The vitriol and threats our community is facing, both in North Bay and across the country, is driven by US-based hate movements. We are standing strong, but we cannot do it alone. We need support from all levels of government, and hope that the forthcoming National LGBTQ2 Action Plan contains a strong strategy to combat online hate that originates both in Canada and abroad.” – Jaime Sadgrove, Manager of Communications and Advocacy, Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity
Statement from JusticeTrans
“Having access to safe and supportive community, like the one provided by OutLoud North Bay, is essential for Two Spirit and trans justice. This week, when anti-2SLGBTQI+ accounts targeted OutLoud North Bay, we saw the global rise in transphobia and transmisogyny further threaten spaces where 2SLGBTQI+ youth feel safe to be themselves. Now more than ever, we need everyone to stand loud and strong against this hatred. We stand with OutLoud North Bay and we stand with all 2SLGBTQI+ youth.”
Statement from Egale
“Unfortunately, these types of incidents happen all too often. Many never get reported. We need to recognize these incidents for what they are; they are hate motivated and they’re harmful,” says – Helen Kennedy, Executive Director of Egale Canada.