Queer Momentum Update: Fall activities

Grassroots Advocacy 

• We hosted a gathering of 20 queer organizers from across Canada to build skills and relationships. The gathering allowed us to foster greater collaboration, share best practices in organizing and build a network for ongoing coordination.
• We began hosting regional gatherings of the same sort – starting with a gathering in partnership with PEERS Alliance in PEI which brought 20 local organizers together. Next week, we’ll organize another gathering in Ottawa, with plans in the works to do the same in Toronto and in the Prairies.
• In response to the anniversary of the Million March in September, we convened organizers involved in counter-protests and alternative events. We shared best practices and strategic advice on how to effectively counter the messaging of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ groups and create positive, inclusive and uplifting alternative events.
• Our Executive Director visited 7 provinces and 8 cities this fall, taking time each visit to meet with and get to know the unique needs, strengths and insights of local advocates and 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations.

Provincial Advocacy and Election Engagement

• We supported 2SLGBTQIA+ people and allies to take action in their provincial elections. Alongside the Society for Advocacy for Gender-Affirming Healthcare in British Columbia, ChromaNB in New Brunswick and a range of organizations in Saskatchewan, we helped ensure 2SLGBTQIA+ people and allies were informed, engaged and encouraged to show up at the voting booth to uphold freedom, rights and equality for queer and trans communities.
• We helped organize major rallies in Calgary and Edmonton on November 2nd in response to the Government of Alberta introducing anti-trans policies. We also sent materials, including 2,000 protest signs and over 1,200 lawn signs, to help scale the local response.

Growing Capacity, Building Power

• We delivered 6 virtual training sessions with over 500 participants to build skills as part of our federal election readiness efforts. These sessions ranged from effective messaging, engagement of candidates, to connecting with conservatives, and beyond. All sessions were recorded and can be accessed by emailing [email protected].
• We attended and delivered workshops at the Community-Based Research Centre’s Annual Summit in Vancouver, as well as the Enchante Network’s annual conference in Calgary. In each context, we equipped advocates and service providers with new skills to counter hate, address misinformation, and build organizing capacity.

Solidarity with Canada’s Labour Movement

• Our Executive Director Fae Johnstone was the keynote speaker at the Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island provincial Federation of Labour Conventions. At each convention, her remarks focused on building understanding and solidarity between 2SLGBTQIA+ and Labour movements in Canada in the face of rising hate and far right populism.
• In September, Fae addressed the Canada Council of the Canadian Labour Congress. This fall, she also participated in panel discussion with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation and the Canadian Association of Professional Employees. We are grateful for the ongoing support we have received from unions and labour leaders across Canada. 

Federal and House of Commons Advocacy

• In late November, Fae addressed the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage within their study on Protecting Freedom of Expression where she made clear that anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate is both morally repugnant and a direct threat to freedom of expression in Canada. She spoke to the impact of anti-trans policies in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and exposed the Conservative Party of Canada’s increasing engagement with anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric and vitriol.
• We called on the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women to undertake a study on the rise of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate. The committee heard our call, and initiated a study that will begin in December 2024. Our Executive Director has been invited to address the committee on December 9th.
• We launched our Drag the Vote ambassador recruitmentment and over 70 performers have already signed up to use their platforms to engage 2SLGBTQIA+ people and allies in the next federal election.
• With more details to come in the new year, we’ve been hard at work refining our plans for the next federal election. Just last week, we shared our preliminary plans with key partners and organizers for feedback. Stay tuned for more on that front. 

We are excited for what we have planned for the new year. We will continue to build power and expand our network of advocates and organizations who believe in freedom, equality, and human rights for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. We encourage you to stay in the loop by joining our newsletter (www.momentumcanada.net/join) and to consider becoming a monthly donor to help sustainably fund our advocacy efforts (www.momentumcanada.net/donate). 

In Solidarity,

Lisa Lachance
President of the Board of Directors
Queer Momentum