The Premier of B.C., the RCMP and city councilB次元官网网址檚 Loyal Woolridge are concerned about the discriminatory and hateful behaviour that targeted a young girl who was competing at an elementary school track meet in Kelowna on June 8.
The incident garnered public attention after the girlB次元官网网址檚 mother posted on the Kelowna Alert Facebook. She wrote that her daughter was mis gendered and accosted by a grandfather while competing in shot put. The mother claims that the man yelled at her daughter, demanding to see a birth certificate and saying that if she was not a boy, then she was definitely trans and should be disqualified from the competition.
B次元官网网址淢y daughter is a girl, was born female, and uses she/ her pronouns. She has a pixie cut,B次元官网网址� said the mother.
Woolridge said that the public needs to start calling behaviour like this out since since it is traumatizing for children.
B次元官网网址淲e need to start recognizing this as hate speechB次元官网网址� This is not a difference of opinion.B次元官网网址�
Woolridge explained that having freedom of speech does not mean that a person has a right to spread hate speech.
He said that if a person witnesses bullying or discrimination, they have a responsibility to speak up, or call the police, particularly when it involves children.
Const. Mike Della-Paolera said that the Kelowna detachment has received B次元官网网址渁 number of messagesB次元官网网址� regarding the situation, and that an investigative file has been opened.
B次元官网网址淲e too share everyoneB次元官网网址檚 grave concerns with discriminatory behaviour,B次元官网网址� said Const. Della-Paolera.
Woolridge said that the hateful movement targeting the trans community is growing.
B次元官网网址淧eople are being oppressed on purpose.B次元官网网址�
The councillor said that the mounting hate against transgender people has led to this instance, where a cis-gendered child was discriminated against for their hair cut.
B次元官网网址淚t is important to our community to speak out against discriminatory behaviours, and research shows that social support is an important protective factor for those experiencing marginalization, racism, or discrimination. If our community takes action together, this will assist us in the ultimate goal of a diverse, inclusive and safe community for all. Your willingness to take an active role demonstrates your care and responsibility. We understand that this incident, and the ongoing discussion on social media can be difficult,B次元官网网址� Della-Paolera.
Premier David Eby said B次元官网网址渓etB次元官网网址檚 keep calling out transphobia when we see it,B次元官网网址� in a tweet about the incident.
He said that hate hurts everyone and B次元官网网址渋s not acceptable or welcome in British Columbia.B次元官网网址�
This is awful. This kind of hate is not acceptable or welcome in British Columbia.
B次元官网网址� David Eby (@Dave_Eby)
Let's keep calling out transphobia when we see it. Hate hurts everyone. And let's stand with this girl and everyone who is targeted just for being themselves.
Woolridge said that the school district is working diligently to address the situation.
Additionally, he said that city councilB次元官网网址檚 new safety plan addresses the need to create safe spaces for marginalized, gender diverse, queer and non-white people.
B次元官网网址淚f we donB次元官网网址檛 create safe spaces, it causes trauma and harm for youth in their formative years.B次元官网网址�
Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas chimed in on the afternoon of June 13, calling the incident B次元官网网址渉eartbreakingB次元官网网址�.
B次元官网网址� City of Kelowna (@cityofkelowna)
More to come.
Jake.courtepatte@kelownacapnews.com
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