FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement on Current Political Attacks Against 2SLGBQTIA+ People and Other Vulnerable Groups
WINNIPEG – Monday, February 10, 2025
We are seeing an escalation in fascist movements, both south of the border and in Canada, including intensifying transphobia and anti-immigration sentiment. We want to make it clear that we 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. 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.Â
In the United States we are seeing presidential executive orders attempting to erase and completely deny the existence of Two-Spirit, transgender and intersex people. 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.
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.
We all have a responsibility 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.
We ask you to join us in defending those who are targeted by rhetoric that blames Two-Spirit, trans and gender non-conforming people, or refugees fleeing violence, or people who live on the street, for structural problems that are well outside their control.
Sunshine House