Our Take on Budget 2024: Queer Advocacy Works. More action needed.
Over the last year, tens of thousands of people across Canada, alongside queer civil society and our allies, have spoken up urging the Government of Canada to address anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate. Queer Momentum’s #Act4QueerSafety campaign has been a key part of this work.
Today, our advocacy bore fruit: Budget 2024 included $12 million over 5 years in funding to address anti-queer and anti-trans hate. This is an important win for queer people. A win worth celebrating. And it wouldn’t have happened without you - your voice and your advocacy. For that, we thank you ❤️.
There are other positive commitments around funding for Pride festivals and investments in housing, dental care, pharmacare, and a (too) small disability benefit, all of which will help make life easier for many 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
Now for the difficult side: the anti-hate investments, while laudable, fall short of what our communities need. The modern resurgence of homophobia and transphobia requires deep and sustained action. The Government’s actions are a good first step, designed to avoid criticism, but queer and trans advocates need to continue building pressure for more sustained and long-term support for our communities. The government needs to defend a more free and equal Canada, for queer people and all our families. So much is at stake.
Beyond hate, we saw no new investments to meaningfully sustain 2SLGBTQIA+ community and social service organizations beyond previous commitments. That is, simply put, a disappointment and a missed opportunity.
What this tells us: we must keep advocating for a more free and equal Canada. We must raise up our voices and demand action. Fortunately, that’s what Queer Momentum is all about.
Next week, we’re unveiling our biggest advocacy initiative ever - of national scale. So stay tuned, and get ready to show this government - and elected officials at every level - that our movement is ready to fight for the Canada we all deserve.
From May 11th to 17th, thousands of Canadians will be participating in Queer Momentum's Rainbow Week for Action to resist rising hate and violence, and call for rainbow equality and freedom for all.