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‘We’re stronger when we’re together’: P.E.I. rally for trans rights attracts more than 200 marchers

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — “Erase the hate! Let love win!” referred to as the greater than 200 folks as they marched on the Rally for Trans Rights in Charlottetown April 2. 

Organized by the P.E.I. Transgender Community, the rally gathered outdoors the federal government buildings on Rochford Road earlier than marching by means of Charlottetown and returning to the Carriage Home at Beaconsfield to take heed to audio system. 

“It’s getting actually scary on the market, particularly with what’s occurring within the States proper now,” mentioned Alex Eekma, who’s transgender. “It’s solely a matter of time earlier than that involves Canada. In reality, it already is. So, I’m right here to help my folks, do no matter I can to assist.”

Eekma was talking to some mates, together with Katherine Helena, as they waited for the march to start. 

“I simply suppose it’s necessary to be right here in a time the place there’s an election occurring and somebody who, on his poster, says that he’s for us, can’t be for us behind closed doorways,” mentioned Helena. 

Louisa Gauvin and Hailey Johnson have been additionally on the rally, every holding an indication. “Defend Trans Youth” learn one, whereas “I (coronary heart emoji) My Trans Pals” mentioned the opposite.  

“It’s very wanted in P.E.I.” mentioned Johnson. “There’s been a number of anti-trans rhetoric. We needed to lend our help.”

Louisa Gauvin, left, and Hailey Johnson hold up their signs at the Rally for Tans Rights April 2 in Charlottetown. - Alison Jenkins/SaltWire Network
Louisa Gauvin, left, and Hailey Johnson maintain up their indicators on the Rally for Tans Rights April 2 in Charlottetown. – Alison Jenkins/SaltWire Community

The variety of folks in attendance confirmed, “lots of people cared about this situation,” Johnson added.

Gauvin mentioned that after seeing some unfavourable tales within the media they needed to indicate up for the following era, “so youth can see (the unhealthy ones are) not the one conversations occurring.” 

Aidan Steeves, left, and Chanel Briggs twirl umbrellas outside the government buildings April 2 as they wait for the Rally for Trans Rights to begin. - Alison Jenkins/SaltWire Network
Aidan Steeves, left, and Chanel Briggs twirl umbrellas outdoors the federal government buildings April 2 as they watch for the Rally for Trans Rights to start. – Alison Jenkins/SaltWire Community

Negativity rising

Fortunate Fusca, govt director of the P.E.I. Transgender Community, took a second to talk to SaltWire Community earlier than they led the march alongside downtown streets.  

“Given the anti-trans rhetoric and hate that has been occurring throughout Epetwitk/Prince Edward Island, it felt like the correct factor to do, to assemble to create space to see solidarity for our neighborhood members and to indicate of us that we’re not going to be silent within the face of hatred, that we need to be included, accepted and liked the best way that everyone does, in order that’s why we’re right here in the present day,” mentioned Fusca.

Jonah MacPhee, left, attends the Rally for Trans Rights April 2 with Joelle MacPhee and Kate Shaw. - Alison Jenkins/SaltWire Network
Jonah MacPhee, left, attends the Rally for Trans Rights April 2 with Joelle MacPhee and Kate Shaw. – Alison Jenkins/SaltWire Community

The group mingling outdoors within the April sunshine was numerous with all ages, genders and hair colors. 

Eekma mentioned they felt protected in Charlottetown on the march, however is aware of their welcome isn’t assured in every single place. 

Hate crimes similar to flag burnings, the discharge of a recording of an unknown man saying the “trans state of affairs that’s occurring and gettin’ compelled down Islanders’ throats”, and the election of a faculty board trustee who doesn’t consider dialogue of gender identities is suitable in faculties exhibits that the difficulty is current and ongoing.

Maevn McLennon-Wood, left, age 2, high-fives Chanel Briggs at the Let's Get Loud Rally for Trans Rights April 2 in Charlottetown. - Alison Jenkins/SaltWire Network
Maevn McLennon-Wooden, left, age 2, high-fives Chanel Briggs on the Let’s Get Loud Rally for Trans Rights April 2 in Charlottetown. – Alison Jenkins/SaltWire Community

Fusca mentioned the negativity is rising in quantity.


“That is unacceptable. Hate doesn’t belong right here. It doesn’t belong wherever.” – Fortunate Fusca


“Over the past whereas there’s been positively been a notable improve in anti-trans actions occurring actually throughout Turtle Island, this isn’t particular to Prince Edward Island. The emboldenment of oldsters with bigoted or hateful ideologies have been rising so far as their public shows of those ideologies.

“So, we’re actually simply trying to make that area to indicate of us that that is unacceptable. Hate doesn’t belong right here. It doesn’t belong wherever,” mentioned Fusca.

Allyship welcome

Fusca additionally mentioned they’re hoping for help from these with affect – similar to political events – to face up and be loud about allyship with the trans neighborhood. 

“To be loud as an ally is extra necessary now that it ever has been,” mentioned Fusca.  “We’re stronger once we’re collectively, once we manage collectively within the course of affection and acceptance.”

Reg Phalen, left, and Stella Shepard are showing support for inclusiveness in P.E.I. by attending the Rally for Trans Rights in Charlottetown April 2. - Alison Jenkins/SaltWire Network
Reg Phalen, left, and Stella Shepard are exhibiting help for inclusiveness in P.E.I. by attending the Rally for Trans Rights in Charlottetown April 2. – Alison Jenkins/SaltWire Community

Stella Shepard and Reg Phalen have been on the rally to indicate their help for the trans neighborhood. 

“To indicate that folks do care,” mentioned Shepard. “We wish an inclusive neighborhood. We’re all entitled to be included with out having to elucidate ourselves.” 

Shepard mentioned she by no means has to elucidate her identification, “why isn’t that for everybody?”

For allies who couldn’t make it to the rally however desires to indicate help, they’ll observe the P.E.I. Transgender Community on Fb or Instagram. 

“And pay attention,” siad Fusca. “Take heed to the neighborhood. Satisfaction P.E.I. and PEERS Alliance additionally has a bunch of unbelievable sources on the market for allies,” they mentioned.


Alison Jenkins is a reporter with the SaltWire Community in Prince Edward Island. She could be reached by electronic mail at [email protected] and adopted on Twitter @ReporterAlison.



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