NEWS RELEASE
LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY STUDENT UNION
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On May 17, the Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU), Fierté Simcoe Pride, TransQ, labour partners, and 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and allies are organizing a rally for rainbow equality at Barrie City Hall at 6 p.m. as part of a National Rainbow Week of Action running from May 11 to 17.
May 17 also marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
The rally is a call to action for elected officials and governments at every level to address rising hate and act for rainbow equality. This week of action will be the largest mobilization the 2SLGBTQIA+ community has held since the struggle for marriage equality 20 years ago.
“We’re coming together — as 2SLGBTQIA+ people, allies, workers, and communities — united as a region to fight against rising hate and defend human rights,” said Brandon Rhéal Amyot, LUSU vice-president, Orillia. “We are rallying for rainbow equality to build the community we all deserve, where everyone is free, equal, and treated with dignity.”
“Wherever we live, whatever we believe and however we identify, we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” said Christian Kenehan of Fierté Simcoe Pride and TransQ. “That’s why we, as Canadians, from diverse backgrounds, beliefs and identities are coming together to confront hate and call on our governments to take action for rainbow equality. To quote Marsha P. Johnson, ‘You never completely have your rights, one person, until you all have your rights.’”
The rally will feature speakers from the student union, Fierté Simcoe Pride and TransQ, the Barrie and District Labour Council, and more.
The whole community is encouraged to learn more, get involved, or take the pledge to defend rainbow equality at RainbowEquality.ca.
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