Demonstration at U of W after school allows controversial speaker to hold event

More than 100 people gathered at the University of Winnipeg on Friday, to show support for 2SLGBTQ+ community, after they say the school allowed a transphobic speaker to hold an event.

“To me it means that they’re not listening to us in how we’re saying this event was harmful,” said Brie Villeneuve, event organizer. “It is really important that administration and all faculty understand this was unacceptable.”

Villeneuve is a student in U of W neuroscience and says the university failed trans, two-spirit and non-binary students, by allowing the lecture to go ahead.

“This professor has made harmful statements before about our community, and other marginalized communities, so it says that they’re providing more space for professors, rather than students, despite the fact they said we are their priority.”

The presentation, given by political studies professor Joanne Boucher, examined her research into how those seeking gender-affirming care and treatments are part of the commodification of the human body.

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READ MORE: Academics, 2SLGBTQ+ community claim UWinnipeg professor spreading transphobic rhetoric

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But community members had concerns as this type of language and ideas are widely shared by those who are transphobic.

Villeneuve says the situation has been hard for students. “Myself and many other Trans people have struggled to focus in our lectures, to do our school work, to hand in assignments on time … They are not answering us. We do not feel safe or respected in this environment.”

The lecture was changed from in-person to online. Boucher did not respond to questions from the media but addressed her silence during her presentation.

“One of the reasons I didn’t because there obviously is some kind of circus, and I don’t want to fuel the circus, I have absolutely no interest,” said Boucher.

The University of Winnipeg also declined interview requests from CityNews, but in a statement says: “Within this environment, differences of opinion and viewpoint will arise from time to time. All members of our community are encouraged to evaluate and debate ideas critically based on the academic evidence, and to do so in a way that respects the fundamental human rights for all persons.”

Student Denielle Peron whose loved one is a member of the 2SLGTBQ+ community, says the fact concerns from the community were ignored speaks volumes and sends the wrong message.

“It’s pretty cowardly that they didn’t cancel the event and didn’t want to comment on anything, and the professor, both of them are cowards,” explained Peron.

Forth-year student James Webster, a 2SLGBTQ+ community member, says while the University claims to be an inclusive space, this lecture says otherwise.

“I don’t feel like the university actually cares about me, as much as they care about what my image can do for their reputation,” said Webster. “The thing that really frustrates me is I know it’s possible to do better.”