Manitoba 2SLGBTQIA+ advocates sound alarm over increased hateful rhetoric

Advocates in Winnipeg are sounding the alarm about a rising number of attacks against 2SLGBTQIA+ people and other vulnerable members of the community, saying Manitobans must stand together against acts of hate. 

A statement issued by the Rainbow Resource Centre, Sunshine House and Two Spirit Manitoba on Monday raised concerns about the overall environment facing community members.

It pointed to an “escalation in fascist movements, both south of the border and in Canada, including intensifying transphobia and anti-immigration sentiment,” making it clear the groups “will continue working with all queer people seeking safety within Manitoba.”

“As service-oriented organizations who work 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Manitoba, we know the power and potential of queer joy,” said the statement. “We know the gifts that queer people bring to our communities. That is why we have a duty to express solidarity with 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the United States and beyond.”

Pointing to recent policy implemented by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the groups say the U.S. government is “attempting to erase and completely deny the existence of Two-Spirit, transgender and intersex people.” 

The groups highlighted while the policy changes are taking place in the U.S., they are having an effect in Manitoba.  

“These might feel like distant fights, but they will be happening at our kitchen tables and in our communities very soon. In fact, they already are, with the recent threats made against Knox United, a queer- and trans-inclusive church in Brandon,” the statement noted. 

“We urge Manitobans to take notice when particular groups of people are being dehumanized, demonized and criminalized by those seeking to gain political power. This is currently happening in Canada to Two-Spirit, transgender and gender-nonconforming people, as well as newcomers, racialized people, people who use drugs, and houseless people.”

The three groups, which work with some of the most vulnerable in Winnipeg and across the province, say rhetoric at various levels are targeting people who have already been put at risk by societal shortfalls and structural problems. 

The three groups are now pleading with Manitobans to “take a firm stand on protecting the rights and freedoms of Two-Spirit, trans, intersex and gender non-conforming people in our local communities and beyond.”