“The Conservative Party of Canada has turned its back on 2SLGBTQ+ people, choosing hate, regression and division over a more free and equal Canada.”
Momentum condemns Conservative backsliding on 2SLGBTQ+ rights
Momentum condemns Conservative backsliding on 2SLGBTQ+ rights
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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Momentum is seeking proposals from qualified communications and design firms or independent practitioners to lead a comprehensive rebrand. This includes the development of a new visual identity, refined messaging framework, and a suite of practical tools and assets to support both day-to-day communications and high-impact advocacy work.
This work is being undertaken alongside the launch of a new strategic plan. As Momentum enters its third year, the organization is experiencing rapid growth and increased national visibility. This rebrand is intended to define its next phase of development and position Momentum clearly as Canada’s leading 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy organization.
The selected partner will be expected to deliver a cohesive and adaptable brand system that reflects the organization’s role in shaping public discourse and mobilizing communities. Proponents have an option to include the development of a new Wordpress-based website. See Appendix A for further details.
In January, we launched a micro-grant program to help power-up grassroots advocacy and community building in Alberta, as part of our response to Premier Danielle Smith’s attack on the freedom, rights and healthcare access of transgender youth and their families. We received dozens of applications, reflecting the commitment, strength and creativity of 2SLGBTQIA+ advocates and allies across Alberta.
We are now thrilled to introduce you to the 12 projects we’re funding across the province.
Each group has it's own vision and unique flavour. Some are fully focused on activism and political advocacy, while others are focused on building inclusive spaces and fostering community care. The range of initiatives reflects something our communities have long known: it takes a village to build and sustain a movement. It takes protesting in the streets, and community spaces that foster queer joy and healing.
We're proud to play our part in sustaining vital advocacy and community building in Alberta.