Protests and counter-protests take place in Edmonton over LGBTQ2 education in schools
Protests and counter-protests involving Canada’s trans and LGBTQ2 communities and how topics of gender and sexuality are handled in schools took place across the country on Wednesday, including several in the Edmonton area.
A group called “1MillionMarch4Children” says rally participants are “standing together against gender ideology in schools,” which is a reference to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity programs being taught in B.C.’s public schools.
“I would like the ATA (Alberta Teachers’ Association) to know that we’re not going to put up with their indoctrination. We are parents of children who have been affected and damaged,” said demonstrator Lilo Forsyth, who has four children.
In response, LGBTQ2 allies and supporters showed up to counter-protest at rally sites, like the headquarters of the ATA in Edmonton.
“I was a teacher and I am openly queer,” said Kit Etcheverry. “I grew up in a household where I wasn’t able to be myself until my 30s and it is really important that all children know that there are people that love them and support them.
“Most parents, most families, have been great. This is a minority,” Etcheverry said about the march. “And I want every student, every family, every person to know they are loved … for who they are — exactly who they are.”
Benita Pedersen is the co-ordinator of 1MillionMarch4Children in Edmonton. She is a local activist known for her involvement with the right-wing Take Back Alberta movement, a movement she has recently said she has distanced herself from.
She said demonstrators are worried about what’s happening in schools.
“Parents are concerned about the secrecy in schools. There are times when teachers aren’t sharing with parents what’s going on with their children.
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