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Last night, the publicly funded York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) had one more opportunity to show their support for their 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff. Once again, they chose to let students down when the board’s trustees voted against a motion for Pride flags to fly in front of its education centre during Pride month.
We share in the anger, grief, and disappointment that 2 Spirit, queer, and trans youth are feeling following this news and are in solidarity with student trustees Anthea Peta-Dragos and Jonah James and YCDSB students Patrick Mikkelsen and Isio Emakpor for their tireless advocacy around the issue.
Board trustees who voted against the flag raising argued that raising the Pride flag wouldn’t fix the problems 2SLGBTQ+ students face within the board. This is a feeble excuse for inaction. The Pride flag is representative of our diverse communities, the many rights we’ve fought for over the decades, our love, our resilience, and our everyday work to ensure that nobody is left behind. Raising it is the very least you can do and you need to do better.
We are familiar with the age-old tactic of faith being weaponized against marginalized and vulnerable communities. But we also know that the intersection of faith and queerness is a profound, beautiful thing. Inaction is a form of action. Through this vote, you did not just fail to support 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff: You are aiding and giving cover to anti-2SLGBTQ+ extremists.
This is another reminder that Canada is not immune to hate. It is a reminder that we cannot and will not back down. We will continue to fiercely defend the safety, rights, and well-being of all 2SLGBTQ+ youth. Their lives, their identities, and their right to self-determination are not up for debate.
The time to act is now. Show YCDSB students your support by signing this petition:
