A local non-profit is calling for peaceful protest at an event this weekend they say is transphobic.
The event is called “Pushing Pride”, and it will feature talks from Megan Murphy who according to Revolve Cowichan, is a known anti-trans activist.
Murphy is a writer who has been protested for her beliefs on gender identity before.
Revolve took to social media to say that while they support an individual’s right to free speech and opposing beliefs, they “cannot support an event that will actively cause harm to transgender and gender non-confirming people.”
Revolve is a non-profit organization that operates in the Valley to “strengthen the community,” and to stand up against bigotry and discrimination.
The event description reads “kids are being taught that boys can be girls and girls can be boys; we are seeing adult entertainment offered to kids in the form of Drag Queen Story Hours and more; and women’s safety, interests, and rights have been pushed entirely to the wayside.”
On June 5th Murphy wrote on her blog that the event was back on in Cowichan after it was canceled last October, saying “this conversation is desperately needed across Canada and has been silenced and suppressed for too long.”
Revolve says Murphy “seeks to delegitimize transgender identity.”
The event will also feature Bryony Dixon, the former artistic managing director of the Nanaimo Fringe Festival.
“Why is the CCC now allowing this event to happen, right before the Pride parade?” asked Revolve Cowichan in a Facebook post.
A representative for the CVRD said they were not able to comment directly on why the event, which was previously denied, was able to go ahead this weekend, but did offer a general statement.
“The CVRD is committed to providing services and public spaces that are welcoming, respectful and accepting,”
The statement goes on to highlight that the CVRD is updating its policies on public spaces and facility rentals including a “potential Respectful Spaces Bylaw”.
“We work with all organizers to ensure event activities meet organizational expectations and that necessary plans and procedures are in place.”
The protest is planned for June 8th from 6pm to 8:30pm outside of the Cowichan Community Centre.
