Momentum condemns Conservative backsliding on 2SLGBTQ+ rights

“The Conservative Party of Canada has turned its back on 2SLGBTQ+ people, choosing hate, regression and division over a more free and equal Canada.”

OTTAWA - “The Conservative Party of Canada has turned its back on 2SLGBTQ+ people, choosing hate, regression and division over a more free and equal Canada.” said Fae Johnstone, Executive Director of the Society of Queer Momentum, as Conservative politicians failed to recognize the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia and continue to align with anti-LGBTQ+ groups instead of supporting LGBTQ+ rights.

Last week, thousands of Canadians participated in Queer Momentum’s national Rainbow Week of Action that culminated on May 17th, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). Elected officials participated by attending rallies and flag raising events, and taking a pledge to defend rainbow equality. There was one glaring absence: No Conservative MPs attended IDAHOBIT events. Not a single Conservative MP took the pledge to defend rainbow equality. Only one Conservative MP recognized IDAHOBIT on social media. 

“Failing to recognize a day of great significance to LGBTQ+ people, a day founded to commemorate the anniversary of the World Health Organization declassifying homosexuality as a disease, speaks volumes about the modern Conservative Party,” said Fae Johnstone. “This year’s theme was 'No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all', a theme that should resonate with everyone who believes in a more free and equal Canada, but it seems Canadian Conservatives are happy to leave LGBTQ+ Canadians behind."

“After some positive steps in the last decade move past their legacy of homophobia and transphobia, federal Conservatives are backsliding on LGBTQ+ rights. They might call themselves the party of freedom, but clearly they don’t believe in freedom for everyone - at least, not for LGBTQ+ Canadians,” said Fae Johnstone.

“Let’s remember, half the Conservative caucus voted against a ban on conversion therapy. They opposed basic human rights protections for transgender Canadians. Some of them opposed marriage equality,” said Fae Johnstone. “They don’t actually believe in freedom. They believe in control - controlling our bodies, who we love, how we express ourselves and how we live our lives.”

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We're Hiring: Project Coordinator

The Society of Queer Momentum is looking for a part time (10 hours a week or approximately 25% FTE) Project Coordinator at $30 an hour for an 8-month contract (Aug 1, 2025-March 31, 2026) to coordinate project activities as part of the government funded WAGE (“Women & Gender Equality”) project. The deadline to apply is July 14, with an intended start date in early August (which can be adjusted if needed). Reporting to the Executive Director, the Project Coordinator will:

• Coordinate all aspects of in-person & virtual project activities & meetings
• Work with Finance Officer to maintain compliance with project budget
• Ensures appropriate systems and controls are in place for effectively managing risks
• Attends Momentum organization and projects’ meetings and committees as required
• Works closely with the team and other key stakeholders to design and implement project activities
• Ensures regular reporting and feedback on achievement of project and organizational goals
• Recommends and implements strategies for engagement and feedback on project activities
• Fosters mutually beneficial relationships with other organizations, institutions, partners, etc.
• Collaborates and engages with community partners and stakeholders


The position is home-based/remote. No relocation is required. Applicants must have a workspace that protects the privacy of work-related activities including meetings held via Zoom.


Use of a personal computer and reliable internet access are also required, the cost of which will not be paid by Momentum.


Momentum is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from individuals impacted by colonialism, racism, classism, sexism, able-ism, trans-phobia, homophobia, bi-phobia, or other or multiple forms of oppression. Preference will be given to Black, Indigenous, and racialized queer and trans people, as well as qualified candidates with disabilities, who are neuro-diverse, or are new Canadians legally entitled to work in Canada. Self-identification by candidates is completely voluntary.

How to apply:
The deadline to apply for this position is Monday, July 14, 2025. Your application should
include your CV, contact details for two professional references, and a cover letter. Your cover should
explain:
 Why you are interested in the position
 How your experience qualifies you for the role
 Your preferred start date


Applications should be submitted here: https://queermomentum.fillout.com/projectapp

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview.

Questions may be submitted to [email protected] with “Project
Coordinator Application” in the subject line of the email. 

Applicants are also invited to complete this voluntary Self-Identification form, found here.

Queer Momentum responds to anti-trans policy in Conservative Party of Canada platform

This election is about affordability and standing up to Trump. But when we cast our votes, we aren’t just voting on the economy. We’re voting for our future – and helping inform the kind of Canada we want to be. Canadians overwhelmingly believe in equality and human rights, and want elected officials who uphold those values. We may disagree on the detail, but our values are what unite us and make Canada strong.


That’s why Queer Momentum is shocked and dismayed by the Conservative Party of Canada’s platform commitment to ban transgender women from placement in the corrections facility or prison aligned with their gender identity. This commitment, if enacted, would place transgender women at increased risk of violence and harm in an already-violent criminal justice system.


“This is ludicrous. The Conservative Party of Canada platform only mentions women 4 times – with three of those mentions related to an anti-trans policy pledge. This isn’t what Canadians want or need from our politicians or political parties.” Said Fae Johnstone, Executive Director of Queer Momentum. “This is a Trumpian approach to politics – pitting women against transgender people – instead of advancing concrete measures to address the violence, discrimination and inequality both women and transgender Canadians experience.”


We urge Pierre Poilievre to retract this commitment, and pledge to uphold equality and human rights for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

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