There are a dozen speakers expected to address a protest held against child-medical transition which the City of Vancouver has labelled as “anti-trans.”
The Stand Up Speak Up! protest is being held today at the Vancouver Art Gallery from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Speakers at the protest include the controversial Chilliwack school board trustee Barry Neufeld, independent MP Derek Sloan and the current leader of the People's Party of Canada, Maxime Bernier.
While the protest is marketed as being “against child medical transition and gender identity ideology in schools,” last month the City of Vancouver felt it necessary to restate the city’s position on hate after learning about the protest. In the statement, the city calls the event an “anti-trans protest” but added city was powerless to stop such a gathering.
Protest today against child-medical transition in solidarity with BC father. Speaker line-up:
— pauldirks (@pauldirks) April 10, 2021
10:30 Paul Dirks w statement from Dr. Will Malone and SEGM
10:50 Amy Hamm
11:00 Derek Sloan
11:15 Linda Blade statement
11:25 Jenn Smith
11:40 Barry Neufeld
11:55 Lisa Bildy statement pic.twitter.com/afFXPpcnvd
“We stand against transphobia and all forms of inequity that affect our communities,” the statement reads. “In accordance with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the City cannot prevent people from assembling on public property for exercising their right of freedom of expression. We want to be clear that we do not issue permits for any rallies or protests.”
On Friday Vancouverites took to Reddit to remind others of the protest in case they wanted to walk by with some rainbow flags or dress in drag.
“I shall alert the queers. Anyone got a megaphone?” wrote Tidetoslow.
“QUEERS! Assemble,” replied MajorChances channelling their inner Captain America.
Also speaking at the protest is Chris Elston who last year paid to have the message "I ❤️ JK Rowling," to appear on a massive billboard located at East Hastings Street and Glen Drive.
