Small children shouted “leave us alone” and “let kids be kids” at counter-protesters Wednesday during a raucus anti-SOGI demonstration outside Education Minister Rachna Singh’s constituency office in Surrey.
Hundreds of protesters and counter-protestors gathered in Surrey Wednesday afternoon. The two groups were in disagreement about the sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) curriculum used in B.C. schools.
Police closed King George Boulevard between 88 Ave and 92 Ave until 4:15 p.m. The police put themselves between the two sides to keep them separate.
This did not stop some protestors from hurling vulgar language at counter-protestors.
Surrey Mounties are investigating an alleged assault at the event. Surrey Teachers’ Association said a counter-protester was assaulted with a rock.
Christina, from Community Action for Equity and Racial Justice, was part of the counter-protest.
Showing up and showing solidarity for trans students is deeply personal for Christina, who did not divulge her last name.
“My life as a trans person in America was saved by public school teachers who respected me and treated me like a human being when my parents did not,” she said. “I am alive today because of teachers”
A study released by Eagle Canada Human Rights Trust in 2021 surveyed 4000 students in grades 8- 12 across Canada.
The study found that “62 per cent of 2SLGBTQ respondents feel unsafe at school, compared to 11 per cent of cisgender heterosexual students.”
If a student says they are trans, believe them, Christina said. Show your support and stand with them.
Christina told the Now-Leader that Community Action for Equity and Racial Justice, which operates out of Surrey and North Delta, often responds to events like these.
“Wherever there is hate, we stand up, and we meet that hate with love and joy and respect and community organizing,” Christina said.
Counter-protestors showed up today to support queer students and families, she added.
“We’re all happy to be here, and we’re all happy to show solidarity,” Christina said.
“It is estimated that there were over 1500 protestors on site at the height of the protest around 2:00 p.m.,” stated Cpl. Vanessa Munn in an email to the Now-Leader.
Lots of people in Surrey today for protests and counter protests around the sogi curriculum. @SurreyNowLeader pic.twitter.com/z3Vbuh5pIY
— Anna Burns (@AnnaBBurns) September 20, 2023
The protest was part of a national event called “1 Million March 4 Children,” which took place in cities across the country.
Their organizers calling themselves 1 Million March 4 Children say they are “advocating for the elimination of the sexual orientation and gender identity curriculum, pronouns, gender ideology and mixed bathrooms in schools.”
Amrit Birring, leader of the Freedom Party of British Columbia, was leading the group protesting SOGI in Surrey.
Prior to the rally, Birring sent an email to Education Minister Rachna Singh expressing his concerns.
“I am gravely concerned about what our children are being subjected to in the BC public schools through the trojan horse of SOGI,” Birring stated.
The email went unanswered. So they marched to her office Wednesday to get answers for their questions.
“School is a place to train children to work hard, to learn, so that they are prepared for the world,” Birring said to the crowd Wednesday.
Jade from Surrey, who did not divulge her last name, told the Now-Leader she believes kids should be kids.
Kids should not be allowed to medically transition to another gender until they are 21 years old, she said.
“We don’t hate people. We don’t hate gays or lesbians,” Jade added. “We also do not hate people who want to change their gender,” she said.
The Now-Leader tried to speak to other individuals at the protest but they all declined.
The leader of the Conservative Party of BC, John Rustad, released a statement saying he will bring an end to SOGI123.
“Schools must be safe for all students, and the SOGI123 program is a failure; it has become a distraction and it is divisive,” stated Rustard.
He added that he stands with parents who are asking for transparency in the public school system.
“Kids must be taught how to think — not what to think. We must allow parents and families to raise their own children how they see fit,” Rustard stated.
Police estimate 1,500 people were at the protests and counter-protests around the SOGI curriculum Wednesday (Sept 2) pic.twitter.com/dB65RRS5PE
— Surrey Now-Leader (@SurreyNowLeader) September 21, 2023
Surrey-South MLA Elenore Sturko released a statement in support of educational resources such as SOGI123, but called out the NDP government for not doing more.
Sturko is a member of the BC United party and the official opposition shadow minister for education.
“It’s unacceptable for a government to virtue signal when real action could be taken to correct misinformation. The failure of this NDP government to do so has contributed to an unsafe situation for members of the 2SLGBT community and in our schools,” Sturko said.
Annie Ohana, an educator at L.A. Matheson, responded to Sturko’s statement, saying teachers like her post their curriculum so parents can see what is being taught.
For years, there have been workshops for parents on SOGI123, District Parents’ Advisory Councils (DPAC) sessions, FAQ sheets from the Surrey School district, and material from BC Teachers’ Federation, said Ohana in a message to the Now-Leader.
“Our fight for our very lives starts with the lies told about education policy, which has been explained time and time again,” stated Ohana.
The Surrey Teachers’ Association encouraged its members to wear Pride-related clothing on Wednesday. To show support for teachers and students who are a part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
The association released a joint statement with CUPE 728 And Surrey DPAC. “We are reaffirming our unwavering support and solidarity with 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families in Surrey,” reads the statement.
Lizanne Foster, first vice president of the teachers association, is asking the Ministry of Education and Surrey School District to make the learning resources for SOGI 123 publicly accessible.
While parents can learn about SOGI123 online, they cannot access the learning resources. Only teachers who are members of the BC Teachers’ Federation can see them.
“We had separate conversations with the district and with the minister directly, saying that they need to get those learning resources out from behind the publish them, make them available,” Foster said.
Several Surrey organizations sent statements in response to Wednesday’s march.
Surrey Pride President Martin Rooney encouraged those with questions to reach out to the rainbow (2SLGBTQQIA+) community or talk to teachers and medical professionals.
“Engage through dialogue, not fear,” Rooney said. “There are endless numbers of faith-based organizations, educators, health communities and more ready and willing to explore these topics with you and ensure empowerment of your safety and inclusion.”
Rooney included a quote from James Baldwin, “We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.”
“The rainbow community exists, should be protected, and are not inherently dangerous,” Rooney said.
Alex Sangha, the founder of Sher Vancouver, a not-for-profit society for LGBTQ South Asians, stated he was disheartened to see some members from his Punjabi Sikh community taking part in
“As Sikhs, it is incumbent upon us to champion the rights of those who are vulnerable, marginalized, or oppressed,” stated Sangha. “We must recognize that we are all equal in the eyes of a higher authority, and no one should assume the role of judging the creations of that divine force. I firmly believe that God does not desire suffering for any of his children, and it is our duty to ensure that everyone is treated with respect, compassion, and dignity.”
RELATED: B.C. Human Rights Commissioner says trans rights ‘not up for debate’
Premier David Eby released a statement in response to Wednesday’s protests.
“Without hesitation, I denounce threats, hate and violence against 2SLGBTQIA+ communities,” he said in responding to a letter from BCTF’s president Clint Johnston. “We are seeing a concerning rise in incidents where trans people are being targeted with threats and violence in person and online.”
Eby also addressed students.
“We may not have met,” Eby said. “I may not know your name and I may not know your favourite music, but I want you to know this: I accept you for who you are in every way. My job as premier is to ensure you all have a safe learning environment, so you can pursue your dreams.”
The Now-Leader reached out for comment from Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, MLA Rachna Singh, the minister of education and child care, and the Surrey School District. None of them responded by the time this story was posted.
The Ministry of Education and Childcare posted a document online about myths around SOGI-inclusive education.
If you are 2SLGBTQ+ and feel like you are in crisis or are considering suicide, please call the Crisis Centre BC suicide hotline at 1-800-784-2433.
Other resources include: Canada Suicide Prevention Service at Toll free: 1-833-456-4566. You can also text 45645 or visit the online chat service at crisisservicescanada.ca.
Trans Lifeline at 1 (877) 330-6366. You can visit them online at translifeline.org
-With files from Wolf Depner