Queer Edmonton: I Stand with YOU.
Creating a city that feels safe and inclusive for everyone is something that is of great importance to me.
Both data and community voices are telling us that there is a rise in anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate. We don’t have to look far to see where this is happening in our own city. For instance, the protesters who gathered outside of drag storytime events held at the Edmonton Public Library, as well as the ongoing threats and incidents happening at Pride Corner in Old Strathcona.
A new report also highlighted that hate crimes committed on the basis of perceived sexual orientation, along with perceived Indigenous identity, are the most likely to be violent and sustain the highest proportions of injuries.
This is why I put forward a motion at the July 4, 2023 City Council meeting:
“That Administration take the following actions:
Explore measures and opportunities within the Public Spaces Bylaw to create safe access and inclusive public spaces on all protected grounds.
Draft a report on what would be needed to work with 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, groups, employees, and organizations to and develop a 2SLGBTQ+ community advisory committee and a 2SLGBTIAQ+ Action Plan for the City to enhance support and services for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, address rising hate, and create safe and inclusive public spaces.”
I also requested that “the Mayor, on behalf of Council, draft a letter to other orders of government highlighting concern about rising hate and discrimination towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and urging legislative changes and resources to address this as well as an invitation to meet and discuss the matter and work collaboratively on actions.”
The unanimous passing of this motion demonstrates that City Council stands with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as all Edmontonians have a right to feel safe, included, and welcomed in our City.
