A year ago today, over 3000 of us – community and allies – took to the streets to make it clear that like all students, 2SLGBTQ+ students deserve safety at home, school, and everywhere in between. We made it clear – as our communities have for decades- that we’re here, we’re queer, and we’re not going anywhere.

Today, again, there are protests nationwide pushing back against the progress that’s been made for and by 2SLGBTQ+ students, parents and their families. But at the end of the day, we all want kids to be safe at schools. We all want our families to thrive. We all deserve to feel joy in community. There are differences between communities and belief systems about what this should look like. There are difficult conversations to be had. And we are here to have them. What we’re not interested in is fueling hate or getting into conversations about our existence.

We’re choosing love and care for our communities and allies while investing our energy where it’s most needed: building a future where every student is free to be themselves at school.

We are our best, happiest, most fabulous selves when we don’t let others define who we are, or what we’re fighting for.

Take care of each other today.

Community Shareable Resources:

1. Social media graphics: Right-click on the graphics below and feel free to share them to your social media timelines and stories. Be sure to tag us “@the519”.
   Suggested words to go with graphic: “The rights and safety of trans youth are not update for debate. I support safe and inclusive education for all students.”

2. Extra Credit video series: We’ve teamed up with the amazing folks at the Elementary Teacher’s Federation of Ontario, and PFLAG Toronto to bring you a video series breaking down some of the issues, events, and change makers who have carved out spaces in Canadian schools for 2SLGBTQ+ students to feel more included and safe.
Click here to watch the series.

3. Our youth programs: The 519 also offers a bunch of programs year-round to support 2SLGBTQ+ youth, some of which are specifically for 2Spirit, trans, and non-binary youth. Click to learn more.

September 20 Counter-Protest Details:

When:  7 am – 6 pm

Where: North of Queens Park (see the Facebook link for more details)

What: “Transphobes Out, Queers In — Block Party and Counterprotest”

Organizers: Students for Queer Liberation Tkaronto (@studentsforqueerliberationto on IG).

More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1593423377902731