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Three Years Strong: Advocacy Canada Celebrates Milestones and Thanks the Community

You Belong rainbow banner

It’s hard to believe it’s been three years since Advocacy Canada hit the ground running! Back then, with a click of the “submit” button with Canada Corporations, we registered our nonprofit and embarked on a journey to make a difference for our community. Since then, it’s been an incredible adventure filled with impactful projects and heartwarming support.

One of our proudest moments is the You Belong campaign. Those powerful messages gracing billboards and wearable art weren’t just about spreading acceptance – they’ve blossomed into a source of income that helps cover our basic expenses. We’re so grateful for the positive response and for this fantastic way to support our mission.

Speaking of missions, who remembers Bill C-4? In January 2022, that landmark legislation banning conversion therapy became a reality across Canada! We proudly played our part with a campaign that reached Kelowna City Council and even garnered a letter of support for the bill from the Mayor and Council themselves.

But Advocacy Canada is more than just legislation. We build community too! From the 350 strong counter-protest at a Drag Story Time to the heartwarming turnout for our 50+ Pride Picnic this June, we’ve provided safe spaces and fostered connections for hundreds of people. Our weekly coffee meet-ups for gay men and monthly 50+ Pride Breakfasts have become cherished traditions, bringing together over 600 attendees in the past year alone.

Looking ahead, we’re excited! We have a fantastic board team in place, a clear strategic plan for the future, and even some exciting grant applications in the works. With a little luck, these grants will allow us to launch amazing new local programs.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible support of our members and the wider community. Your generosity fuels our efforts, and we’re deeply grateful for each and every one of you. Here’s to an amazing three years, and an even brighter future for Advocacy Canada!

Image credit: by Shoaib Shabir

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Canada Day: What are you standing on guard for?

Canada Day: what are you standing on guard for?

It seems significant that as we celebrate Canada Day on July 1st that the month of June that has become synonymous with Pride has come to a close. Just as Pride celebrations will continue in various locations throughout the country, it isn’t time to put down our rainbow flags, put the glitter back in the closet, or to stop standing on guard for our freedoms.

We do have lots to celebrate as Canadians this Canada Day. Not just the advancement of rights like marriage equality, banning so-called conversion therapy, and protecting gender identity and expression. While there are areas for improvement regarding standard of living and income inequality, Canada remains a desirable place to live and work for most people. 

We are also fortunate to live in a democratic and free society. However, with the rise of populism, alt-right extremism, and Christian nationalism we all need to stand on guard for our freedoms. Those feeling the brunt of this push toward authoritarianism include Indigenous people and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Indigenous communities are faced with potentially weakened land rights, exploitation of resources, and threats to self-governance with resistance to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The rise of authoritarianism presents a significant setback for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and safety around the world. The misinformation and disinformation framed around sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) as a threat to parental rights is one example. While thousands of people across the country turn out for Pride celebrations, many of them being allies to the community, loud voices are trying to push people back into the closet. 

The labeling of community advocates, trans people, and drag performers with derogatory and defamatory terms is an attempt to dehumanize people and make it easier for them to be targeted with hate. This attempt to “gatekeep” and suppress gender expression is an attack on all our freedoms. We only have to look into history to know it won’t just stop at one marginalized group.

Apathy is our enemy. “If it doesn’t affect me, why should I get involved?” seems to be a common sentiment. This plays out in elections with low voter turnout. This may be partly due to people feeling like their voice won’t make a difference. But, it is only people using their voices and votes that will make a difference.

@cbcvancouver

Formed in 1971 in Vancouver, the Gay Alliance Towards Equality (GATE) was one of the first gay liberation groups in Canada. Don Hann, a key member of GATE, watched this story with us from July 1979 where the group held a news conference to highlight violence against the gay community. #pride #2slgbtqia #bc #britishcolumbia #cbcnews #pridemonth

♬ original sound – CBC Vancouver


The Gay Alliance Toward Equality, also known as GATE was one of the first 2SLGBTQIA+ rights groups in Canada. It was formed in 1971 in Vancouver. In 1979 a spokesperson for the group stated “We are here, we are visible, and we will fight back…” These words are eerily relevant to 2024. Visibility is what matters and what anti-rights groups are most afraid of. Just like the “parental rights” slogans of the Anita Bryant era in the 1970s where fearmongering statements like “If we give them rights they’ll be recruiting our children” were common, the attempt to stoke fear over trans rights is much the same.

On this Canada Day I call on our allies across the country to stand on guard for freedom. Don’t let apathy take you out. Happy Canada Day! What are you standing on guard for?

Wilbur Turner
Founder & President, Advocacy Canada

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Remembering Pulse: A Night of Tragedy, A Call for Love, Joy and Freedom

Six years ago, on June 12th, 2016, the world watched in horror as a gunman opened fire in Pulse nightclub, a safe haven for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Orlando, Florida. Forty-nine beautiful lives were tragically lost, and countless others were forever impacted by the violence.

Today, at Advocacy Canada, we join the global chorus in remembering the victims of Pulse. We honour their memory by recommitting ourselves to the fight for a world where everyone feels safe to be themselves, free from fear and discrimination.

The Pulse shooting was a stark reminder of the vulnerability of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. It was an attack on love, joy, and the freedom to exist. But in the face of tragedy, we saw an outpouring of love and support. People rallied around the victims and their families, offering comfort and displaying solidarity.

Here in Canada, we’ve made significant strides towards 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in recent years. However, the fight for equality is far from over. There are still communities that face discrimination, violence, and a lack of access to essential services.

Here are some ways we can honour the memory of Pulse and continue the fight for a more inclusive world:

  • Educate yourself and others about 2SLGBTQIA+ issues.
  • Challenge prejudice and discrimination whenever you see it.
  • Support 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations and initiatives.
  • Stand up for the rights of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

By working together, we can create a world where the horrors of Pulse are never repeated. A world where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued, and a world where love, joy, and freedom can flourish.

#PulseOrlando #NeverForget #2SLGBTQIA+Rights

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Advocating for Inclusive Politics: The Importance of 2SLGBTQIA+ Politicians Choosing Supportive Parties

Blocks with the words belonging, diversity, equity, and inclusion with a hand putting a ballot into a box.

Joint Statement from Advocacy Canada and Kelowna Pride Society

Kelowna, BC, June 4, 2024 – As organizations dedicated to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, we emphasize the critical importance of politicians who identify as members of our community aligning themselves with political parties that wholeheartedly support these values.

It is imperative that our elected representatives champion policies and initiatives that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all Canadians, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. By joining a political party that embodies these principles, 2SLGBTQIA+ politicians can amplify our voices and advocate for meaningful change from within the system.

Conversely, the decision to align with a political party that does not prioritize these values can have profoundly negative consequences for our community. It legitimizes discrimination, erodes progress towards equality, and undermines the well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals across the country.

We urge 2SLGBTQIA+ politicians to consider the impact of their affiliations on our community and to choose political parties that are committed to fostering a society where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. Together, let us continue to work towards a future where diversity is celebrated, equity is upheld, and inclusion is the norm. 

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Today We Stand Together: Why IDAHOBIT Matters More Than Ever

A stack of colorful postcards on a table. The top postcard has a rainbow design with the text "You belong. And I'm here for you. Wherever you are. Whoever you are." in white lettering. There is also a red maple leaf and the text "An Advocacy Canada initiative" in the bottom right corner. The other postcards have various colorful designs and text, but none are fully visible.

Today, on May 17th, we mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). This day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

While significant progress has been made, we face a growing anti-trans and anti-2SLGBTQIA+ movement seeking to erase our rights and dignity. This hateful rhetoric translates into real-world consequences. From discriminatory legislation to rising violence, our communities are under attack.

Why IDAHOBIT Matters Now More Than Ever

In this climate of hate, IDAHOBIT is not just a commemoration; it’s a call to action. It’s a day to raise our voices, celebrate our diversity, and demand a world where everyone feels safe and respected.

Advocacy Canada: Leading the Charge for Change

Here at Advocacy Canada, we’re committed to building a more inclusive future. As part of Rainbow Week of Action, we were proud to play an instrumental role in holding a letter-writing event in Kelowna on May 14th. This event, a testament to the power of community action, saw a remarkable 179 postcards written by community members directly to Members of Parliament (MPs).

Join the Fight for Rainbow Equality This Week!

These postcards, along with countless others sent across the country, are a powerful message to our elected officials. We urge them to:

  • Champion legislation that protects 2SLGBTQIA+ rights: From safe schools to gender-affirming healthcare, we need laws that guarantee equality for all.
  • Speak out against anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric: Silence normalizes hate. We need our leaders to send a clear message that discrimination will not be tolerated.
  • Allocate resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ support services: Mental health support, legal aid, and safe housing are crucial for our community’s well-being.

The Importance of Allyship

This fight for equality is not ours alone. We need allies to stand beside us. By writing a letter to your MP, you’re not just raising awareness, you’re showing your support for a more inclusive Canada.

Raise Your Voice for Change this IDAHOBIT:

  • Visit the Rainbow Week of Action website at https://www.rainbowequality.ca/ to access a pre-written letter template. You can easily personalize it with your voice and concerns.
  • Share the campaign with your friends, family, and network.
  • Use the hashtag #RainbowEquality on social media to amplify the message.

Together, we can create a future where equality is not a dream, but a reality for all. Let’s make this IDAHOBIT a day of action for positive change.

Visit Rainbow Equality today and join the fight for a more inclusive Canada!

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Advocacy Canada Urges Rotary Centre for the Arts to Strengthen Inclusion Efforts

Rotary Centre for the Arts

Kelowna, BC – Advocacy Canada, a national organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Canada, has released a letter urging the Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA) to implement clear policies and practices that ensure a safe and welcoming space for all visitors, staff, and volunteers, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Praxis Church rents the RCA for weekly events. Praxis Church’s website expresses views that contradict the RCA’s commitment to inclusivity. While Advocacy Canada does not advocate for censorship of private organizations, the letter highlights the importance of the RCA upholding its own mission statement.

“The RCA has a long history of being a vibrant hub for the arts,” said Wilbur Turner, President at Advocacy Canada. “We believe the RCA can further strengthen its commitment to inclusion by developing clear policies and practices that promote a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.”

The letter calls on the RCA to engage in a dialogue with the community and develop concrete steps to ensure the arts centre remains a space free from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

“The arts flourish when all voices are heard and respected,” said Wilbur Turner. “By implementing clear policies and practices, the RCA can ensure it continues to be a welcoming space for all members of our diverse community.”

Community members are invited to add their name to the letter here.

About Advocacy Canada

Building a more equitable Canada for all is at the heart of Advocacy Canada, a non-profit organization run by and for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We amplify the voices of 2SLGBTQIA+ people by supporting initiatives that empower community members, advocate for inclusive education, and drive positive changes in public policy.

You Belong Pride Tee Shirts

You Belong Pride Tee Shirts

$44.00

Get ready for Pride with our You Belong Pride Tee Shirts! Sport the beautiful You Belong design of Kelowna, BC artist Sarah Jones on this adult tshirt. The back of the […]

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2SLGBTQIA+ Voices Heard: Questionnaire for SD20 By-Election Candidates

SD 20 School Trustee By-Election

Students and parents of 2SLGBTQIA+ students in School District 20 (SD20) have a voice in the upcoming by-election! An important step towards ensuring that voice is heard is a questionnaire developed specifically for the candidates. We’re sharing the results of the questionnaire on this page.

The by-election, taking place Saturday, April 20, 2024, will fill the trustee position for Electoral Area 2 (City of Castlegar & part of Electoral Area J of RDCK). The questionnaire itself is the result of direct community input, focusing on issues that matter most to voters concerned with creating a safe and inclusive space for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.

This questionnaire was sent to the four candidates in this by-election. We received responses from three candidates by the deadline of March 30th.

Ensuring a safe and inclusive space for 2SLGBTQIA+ students in schools is paramount, and strong representation of their voices is key to achieving this. This questionnaire is a crucial step in that direction. It’s important to emphasize that the initiative to provide representation for 2SLGBTQIA+ students is not about excluding parents from the conversation; it’s about creating a space where all voices are heard and valued. In fact, fostering a supportive environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ students goes hand-in-hand with creating a positive learning environment for all. By prioritizing open dialogue and collaboration between parents, educators, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, we can build a school system where every student feels empowered to reach their full potential. This questionnaire is a powerful tool to ensure that the voices of those most directly impacted – 2SLGBTQIA+ students and their families – are informing the decisions that shape their educational experience.

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Standing Together in Pink: Advocacy Canada Celebrates Pink Shirt Day and You Belong

A group of friends wearing pink shirts with rainbows and the message You Belong printed on them

February 28th marked a crucial day in fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity: Pink Shirt Day. Advocacy Canada, alongside our friends, proudly participated in the BGC Okanagan Pink Shirt Breakfast at The Laurel. This year held particular significance as it coincided with our “You Belong” campaign, a powerful initiative raising awareness and creating safe spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members.

Standing Up to Bullying: Why Pink Shirt Day Matters

Pink Shirt Day holds immense importance on the calendar. It serves as a vital reminder to stand against bullying in all its forms and promote kindness, respect, and inclusivity in every environment. This day goes beyond wearing a pink shirt; it represents a collective commitment to creating safe spaces for everyone to thrive and express themselves authentically.

The positive impact of Pink Shirt Day is undeniable. It fosters a culture of acceptance, empathy, and understanding among students, teachers, and communities as a whole. Studies have shown that schools actively participating in anti-bullying initiatives witness significant reductions in bullying incidents.

Pink Shirt Day Breakfast - people sitting at tables in a large hall, all wearing pink shirts

BGC Okanagan Pink Shirt Day Breakfast, February 28, 2024
Photo credit BGC Okanagan

Combating Misinformation: The Harm of Boycotting Pink Shirt Day

It’s crucial to address the recent surge of misinformation surrounding Pink Shirt Day, particularly the calls from anti-SOGI groups advocating for parents to boycott the event and keep their children home from school. This misinformation campaign is deeply harmful, not only to the targeted students, but to society as a whole.

Excluding children from anti-bullying efforts does a disservice to their educational and emotional well-being. Schools are fundamental in shaping young minds and fostering responsible citizens. By participating in anti-bullying programs and initiatives like Pink Shirt Day, children learn invaluable lessons about empathy, respect, and celebrating differences. This fosters a more inclusive society, ensuring that everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Moving Forward with “You Belong”

At Advocacy Canada, we remain committed to our “You Belong” campaign, an ongoing effort to create safe spaces and advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Our collaboration with the BGC Okanagan Pink Shirt Breakfast and the remarkable success of the “You Belong” pink shirts exemplify the power of collective action in promoting inclusivity and combating hate.

Let’s continue to promote the message of belonging not just on February 28th, but every day. Together, let’s create a world where everyone truly belongs.

Help Advocacy Canada

Your donation and membership goes beyond a simple transaction. It becomes a powerful tool for change, helping Advocacy Canada ensure every person in Canada can live authentically and free from discrimination. Join the movement for trans rights, donate today, and be a part of the solution.

Donate to advocate for trans rights

By becoming a member of Advocacy Canada, you can add your voice to the chorus demanding equality and justice for trans individuals across Canada. Join today.

Resources

988 Suicide Crisis Helpline: 24/7 support via phone or text.

Kelowna Community Resources Crisis Line: If you feel anxious, or need someone to talk to, the Crisis Line is available 24/7. Help is just a phone call away at 1.888.353.2273 (1.888.353.CARE).

Find more resources here.

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Pride 2024: A Clarion Call for Activism and Intersectional Solidarity

Pride 2024: A Clarion Call for Activism. Image of a Pride march with a sign that says Queer Rights not Rainbow Capitalism

Pride. It’s a word that evokes celebration, community, and a fierce determination to live authentically in the face of those who would deny us. The Pride movement, born of the Stonewall uprising and countless other struggles for 2SLGBTQIA+ liberation, has seen significant victories. But in the wake of increasing mainstream acceptance, has something been lost?

For many, Pride has become synonymous with parades, corporate sponsorships, and rainbow-themed merchandise – the commodification of something once radical. While visibility is important, it’s imperative that in 2024 and beyond, we reclaim Pride not just as a festival, but as a powerful act of protest against the systems that continue to oppress and marginalize 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

The Urgency of Action

Across North America and the globe, we’re witnessing a terrifying escalation in anti-transgender legislation and rhetoric. Trans and non-binary individuals, especially youth, are targeted in a desperate attempt to deny their existence and erase their rights. Healthcare access, participation in sports, and even the simple act of using a bathroom that aligns with one’s gender identity have become political battlegrounds.

And while the current wave of attacks targets trans people most directly, the insidious threat this poses to the entire 2SLGBTQIA+ community is dire. History teaches us that those who aim to strip rights from one marginalized group will not stop there. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and other 2SLGBTQIA+ people remain vulnerable to discrimination and violence. Our struggles are inherently connected.

Beyond Pinkwashing and Rainbow Capitalism

Too often, Pride parades feel less like spaces of radical inclusion and more like advertisements for corporations looking to exploit a lucrative market. “Pinkwashing,” the attempt to present a falsely progressive image, obscures the complicity of many businesses in upholding harmful political and economic systems.

We see your logos at Pride, but where are your voices when our community faces real threats?

It is understandable that Pride organizations need funding, yet we must remain vigilant to avoid prioritizing spectacle and commercialization over the fundamental need for activism and the ongoing fight for justice.

Intersectionality at the Core

Pride must be centered around the most marginalized members of our community. This means actively confronting racism, ableism, classism, and all forms of oppression within LGBTQ+ spaces. Black and Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA+ people continue to experience disproportionate levels of violence and discrimination. Our commitment to pride must be a commitment to intersectional justice.

A Call for Pride 2024

Here’s a vision of what Pride could be in 2024 and the years to come:

  • Center Trans Voices: Trans people must be at the forefront of Pride events: leading, speaking, and having their demands heard.
  • Prioritize Activism: Marches, protests, and workshops focused on concrete political action must be given equal, if not greater, prominence within Pride celebrations.
  • Support Community Organizations: Uplift the work of grassroots movements addressing homelessness, HIV/AIDS support, mental health, and other vital issues facing 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
  • Demand Systemic Change: Pride events should be platforms for calling out corporations and politicians who uphold oppressive systems.
  • Confront Intolerance Within Our Community: It is vital we address and challenge those within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who do not support trans rights. Division only weakens our collective fight for liberation.

There is no gay pride without trans pride. There are no gay rights without trans rights.

Let’s make Pride 2024 not just a celebration, but a renewed commitment to the revolutionary spirit that gave birth to this movement. Our continued liberation depends on it.

Wilbur Turner

President, Advocacy Canada

Help Advocacy Canada

Your donation and membership goes beyond a simple transaction. It becomes a powerful tool for change, helping Advocacy Canada ensure every person in Canada can live authentically and free from discrimination. Join the movement for trans rights, donate today, and be a part of the solution.

Donate to advocate for trans rights

By becoming a member of Advocacy Canada, you can add your voice to the chorus demanding equality and justice for trans individuals across Canada. Join today.

Resources

988 Suicide Crisis Helpline: 24/7 support via phone or text.

Kelowna Community Resources Crisis Line: If you feel anxious, or need someone to talk to, the Crisis Line is available 24/7. Help is just a phone call away at 1.888.353.2273 (1.888.353.CARE).

Find more resources here.

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Central Okanagan United Church Welcomes All with “You Belong” Banner Unveiling

In a heartwarming ceremony, the Central Okanagan United Church in Kelowna officially affirmed its commitment to inclusivity, celebrating its designation as an affirming congregation for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The event featured the unveiling of a stunning “You Belong” banner, designed by local artist Sarah Jones and commissioned by Advocacy Canada.

Wilbur Turner addresses the congregation at Central Okanagan United Church on February 18, 2024. Video credit COUC Media.

Wilbur Turner, President of Advocacy Canada, played a role in unveiling the banner. He spoke of his own journey, similar to one shared by one of the ministers of being ostracized upon coming out as gay. He shared that he stood in the same space 12 years ago, speaking at an inter-faith Pride service while in drag, highlighting the progress made and the fight for visibility. Wilbur spoke of the reason behind the design and banner, and the need for a message that uplifts and celebrates the queer community at a time when they are under attack.

Wilbur Turner as his drag persona, Oddree speaks at an inter-faith Pride service at Central Okanagan United Church in August 2012.

Wilbur Turner as his drag persona Oddree speaks at an inter-faith Pride service at Central Okanagan United Church in August 2012.

The “You Belong” banner isn’t just a symbol; it’s a beacon of hope. Its vibrant rainbow design and powerful message resonate at a time when the 2SLGBTQIA+ community faces growing pressure to be silenced. This uplifting artwork, commissioned after a community consultation process, embodies the spirit of acceptance and inclusion.

Beyond the visual, the banner carries a potent message in the nsyilxcən language: “kʷu yʕayʕát kʷuʔ čn̓k̓ʷɬn̓xiʔm̓,” which translates to “We all join in together / We are all a part of it together.” This message of unity and belonging underscores the ceremony’s significance and reminds us that inclusion isn’t just a concept, it’s a practice. More information about the “You Belong” project and the nsyilxcən phrase pronunciation go to the okyoubelong website.

The Central Okanagan United Church’s celebration sends a powerful message of love and acceptance. As Wilbur noted in his speech, “This rainbow is not just for the queer community, it’s for everyone.” Let this be a symbol of hope, inspiring others to create spaces where everyone feels welcome and celebrated, where “You Belong” is more than just a phrase, it’s a lived reality.

Advocacy Canada is grateful for the support of Central Okanagan United Church for our advocacy work.

Help Advocacy Canada

Your donation and membership goes beyond a simple transaction. It becomes a powerful tool for change, helping Advocacy Canada ensure every person in Canada can live authentically and free from discrimination. Join the movement for trans rights, donate today, and be a part of the solution.

Donate to advocate for trans rights

By becoming a member of Advocacy Canada, you can add your voice to the chorus demanding equality and justice for trans individuals across Canada. Join today.

Resources

988 Suicide Crisis Helpline: 24/7 support via phone or text.

Kelowna Community Resources Crisis Line: If you feel anxious, or need someone to talk to, the Crisis Line is available 24/7. Help is just a phone call away at 1.888.353.2273 (1.888.353.CARE).

Find more resources here.