On the grounds of Queen’s Park in Toronto, thousands of protesters, both advocates and antagonists of LGBTQ2S+ inclusive education, convened in powerful demonstrations this Wednesday, ultimately resulting in the arrest of one individual. The apprehended participant, 47-year-old Julia Stevenson, a Toronto local, has been charged with possession of a weapon as well as the enhancement of carrying a weapon during a public gathering. Although the specifics surrounding her arrest and which group she was affiliated with was not divulged by the police.
The provincial legislature was the site of simultaneous demonstrations: one faction advocating the eradication of sexual orientation and gender identity curriculum in schools, and the counterpart condemning this perspective. They championed the continuation of safe havens for LGBTQ2S+ learners in educational environments.
Participants in the counternamed “1 Million March 4 Children” protest held banners asserting “Parents know best,” “My child, my choice!” and “Leave our Kids Alone!” Demonstrators voiced concerns about exposure to “gender ideology”, fearing an early-age imposition of ideologies on children. Alicia Allen stated, “We just want to protect our kids.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing disagreement with the content taught in schools.
On the other side of the spectrum, counter-protesters amassed at Barbara Hall Park before relocating to Queen’s Park. Denouncing their opposition’s message as a promotion of hate, they were armed with LGBTQ2S+ community flags and signs advocating for the protection of trans kids. Their message was clear: love will always prevail.
The two protesting groups found themselves separated by a line of law enforcement.
One counter protester, Ivan Canete, saw masked hatred in the argument of those opposing gender ideology, adding, “Every student should have the right, and that’s what we’re here to protect – to attend school free of fear, free of violence.” Carolyn Wilson echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of fostering these conversations in schools.
The demonstrations in Toronto mirror a series of similar protests that transpired across Canada on the same day. The commotion has erupted from ongoing debates over how schools should address a student’s preferred pronoun usage. Policies requiring parental consent for such changes have been introduced in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick.
Significant criticism has been voiced towards Ontario’s Premier, Doug Ford, and Education Minister, Stephen Lecce, who contend that parents ought to be informed about their children’s decisions regarding preferred pronouns at school. The protests at Queen’s Park concluded before 3 p.m.
