Hundreds gather in Vancouver in support of 2SLGBTQIA+ community

Hundreds of people in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community gathered in Vancouver Wednesday to speak out against hate and those protesting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI 123) resources in B.C. schools.

Carrying signs that read messages like “Protect Trans Kids” and “Trans Rights are Human Rights,” demonstrators in support of SOGI 123 gathered as protests were being held nationwide by the “1MillionMarch4Children,” which says its members are standing together against what they call “gender ideology” in the nation’s schools.

Read More: B.C. human rights commissioner condemns planned anti-SOGI rallies

The two factions gathered on either side of the Vancouver Art Gallery. On the south side of the building, hundreds of pro-SOGI demonstrators stood together in Robson Square, waving colourful flags and carrying signs in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+. On the north end of the gallery, a smaller group gathered in protest of the school resources.

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Maureen Colclough, who attended the pro-SOGI protest, tells CityNews she wanted to show support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ and trans communities and help address misinformation surrounding them.

“I think there’s a lot of misunderstanding about what happens for trans kids. A lot of things they are being told that are not true,” she said.

“There are so many things that are being circulated that aren’t true. I really feel that a lot of the people here who came out to demonstrate against SOGI, they’re wrong.”

Another demonstrator says he was on hand to “support the people that need support.”

“It’s obvious that trans rights are human rights and it’s really not much of a discussion,” he told CityNews, adding he was happy to see such a turnout for the counter-demonstration.

“I’m really happy to see it. I was a little confused when I heard there was a need for a counter-protest.”

Other demonstrators CityNews spoke with highlighted the large turnout for the counter-protest, indicating they felt loved and supported.

At one point, violence broke out, with CityNews witnessing a brief fight. It’s unclear what exactly prompted the scuffle, but it resulted in someone who appeared to be part of the anti-SOGI gathering getting apprehended by police.

This counter-protest very positive for the most part. Besides a small scuffle involving what looked to be an anti-trans demonstrator – two people put in cuffs. More counter-protestors are continuing to show up. pic.twitter.com/W5s8e75Zjj

— Michael Williams (@1130Williams) September 20, 2023

The protests come as more jurisdictions implement policies that require young people to receive parental consent before teachers can use their preferred first names and pronouns.

Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and its allies argue these policies are a violation of children’s rights.

Multiple entities, political and non-political, have come out with statements of condemnation for the SOGI 123 protests, including B.C. Premier David Eby, B.C. Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender, and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, among others.

Protestors shut down King George Boulevard in Surrey

Meanwhile, a similar demonstration is taking place in Surrey near the Surrey Teachers’ Federation building.

Protestors and counter-protestors gather outside the Surrey Teachers’ Association building in Surrey over differing views on SOGI 123. (X / @SurreyTeachers)

The protests have led to the closure of King George Boulevard between 92 Avenue and 88 Avenue.

In a post on X, B.C. education minister Rachna Singh wrote she will “always” work to ensure classrooms are safe spaces for all.

“I stand with everyone who feels unsafe & targeted by today’s protests. Students deserve to feel welcomed, included & safe at school,” said Singh, who is also the MLA for Surrey Green Timbers.

In Victoria, police in that city have asked demonstrators to leave the area outside the provincial legislature, saying it has become “unsafe.”

“Following escalating tensions at a large demonstration in front of the BC Legislature today, with approximately 2,500 people in attendance, VicPD Officers are asking citizens to leave, and for others to avoid the area,” Victoria police said in a statement.

Police in the B.C. capital say two demonstrators have been arrested.

For the latest on the traffic impacts of these protests around Metro Vancouver, tune CityNews 1130 for live updates every 10 minutes.