Queer Yukon Calls on Allies to Speak Out In Support of Two-Spirit, Trans, Queer and Questioning Youth and Their Peers

We are alarmed and dismayed by the growing surge of anti-trans and anti-queer organizing in Canada, including calls for a protest against sexual orientation- and gender-inclusive (SOGI) education on September 20th both nationally and here in Whitehorse.

Inclusive educational spaces are vital to the safety and wellbeing of youth of every gender and sexual orientation. Seeing themselves, their friends and their families reflected in the curriculum has been shown to improve youth mental health, drastically reduce suicide risk and improve educational outcomes. This is true for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, but also for their peers and for every child, teen and young adult who learns that they will be supported no matter who they turn out to be.

In the Yukon, we are lucky to have strong youth leadership and supportive educators creating safe Gender/Sexuality Alliances and Rainbow Rooms across the territory. The Yukon Government has enshrined protections for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth through Bill 304, adopted last year, and the Department of Education affirmed their commitment to inclusive schools with an updated SOGI policy this fall. Nearly 500 of you marched in this year’s Pride parades, with many local businesses and organizations stepping up to sponsor and support the events.

However, we cannot be complacent. Supporting youth requires ongoing action, and we call on our political leadership, local business and nonprofit partners, neighbours, friends and allies to take action now to show support for trans and queer youth and the educational environments they need.

Here’s how you can show up next week:

In Dawson City:

• Queer Yukon Society invites all allies and community members to join us for a Gathering in support of queer and trans youth and inclusive education:
  12pm - 3pm, Wednesday, September 20th
  Gazebo on Front street

In Whitehorse:

• Community members have called for a counter-protest at noon in front of the Legislative Assembly. We encourage everyone who can attend to do so. Anyone who prefers not to go alone can join Queer Yukon staff to walk over together, starting from the offices of our partners at Les Essentielles.
  Wednesday, September 20th
  11am, meetup to walk over with Queer Yukon staff @ 3089 3rd Avenue (Les Essentielles)
  12pm, community-led counter-protest, in front of the Yukon Legislative Assembly

From anywhere:

• Make a sign in support of trans youth and put it in your window
• Contact your elected representatives and let them know you that inclusive education is important to you. If they've been a staunch supporter, tell them you appreciate it. If they haven't been, tell them that needs to change.
  You can find contact information for your MLA here. Send a copy to:
  • The Honourable Jeanie McLean, Yukon Minister of Education
    Yukon Legislative Assembly, Box 2703
    Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6
    Jeanie.McLean@yukon.ca
    and
  • Brendan Hanley, MP for the Yukon
    204-204 Black St
    Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2M9
    brendan.hanley@parl.gc.ca
• Write a card for your local school’s Rainbow Room or Gender/Sexuality Alliance offering support and affirmation
• Talk to friends and family. If you are involved in a club, faith community or other organization, urge them to make a statement. Visible support matters!