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They’re back. If this email looks and sounds familiar, its because we sent the same thing one year ago in preparation for the “1 Million March 4 Children 2023”. This year, we’ve updated some graphics for you to us - as a reminder that we’re standing with you, right across the country against this hatred.
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On Friday, September 20th, anti-2SLGBTQIA+ activists plan to rally at legislatures, city halls, and school board offices across the country under the “1 Million March 4 Children” banner. While they claim to be in support of “parental rights,” this is explicitly an anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rally. They’re supported by a big tent of far-right and conspiratorial groups, including Christian Nationalists, white supremacists, and anti-public education activists.
5 THINGS YOU CAN DO
1) Presence
- Counter-Demonstrate, using the advice found in the Pride Defense Guide, Safety Plan, and Faith Community Guide. Find out what is happening in your city and make plans with community partners.
- Plan an alternate event at the same time on the 20th. This could be anything from a coffee hour to a vigil, simply - a place to connect and find solace.
2) Communications
- Use all of your available communication channels to show your support: church signage and property, e-newsletters, websites, social media, and connections with local media. We have created some images that you can use in your messaging, that you can see below.
3) Advocacy
- Connect with your faith community and work together to find out what your ministry can do to respond faithfully to these issues.
- Contact politicians, in particular school trustees/MP’s, to express your support for gender-affirming policies and inclusive education, and your opposition to policies that would forcibly out trans youth (sample letter).
4) Community Relationships
- Reach out to local 2SLGBTQIA-led and solidarity groups and ask how you can be of service and what kind of allyship would be most helpful to them.
5) Pastoral Care
- If you feel equipped to offer support to those who are being targeted by these hate groups, be sure those around you know you’re available.
- Ask for support! This is an extremely worrying and intense time for queer folks.
Find contact info for Affirming Ministries through Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble here, and resources from Affirming Connections here.
We encourage everyone to share positive messages of Public, Intentional, and Explicit affirmation to the 2SLGBTQ+ community, particularly from a faith perspective.
Since religion is being weaponized by many of these extremist organizers, it’s imperative to share a different narrative about faith, and to categorically denounce hate and bigotry.
Messaging and images created in partnership with Affirming Connections, and the Regional Minister: Justice and Communication for Living Skies, Prairie to Pine, and Northern Spirit Regional Councils of the United Church of Canada.
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