The Liberal government will be providing $1.5 million to Pride organizations across the country for increased security measures at parades.."The funding, to be announced by Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien (Monday), is being provided to Fierté Canada Pride to distribute to local event organizers who apply for assistance," CTV News reported.."In mid-May, the national association of Canadian Pride organizations sent the federal government an 'emergency funding proposal' asking for $1.5 million to help cover increased safety and security costs, stemming from concerns over a rise in anti-LGBTQ2S+ hate, violence, and threats."."Every day, we witness attacks in person at events and online targeting community leaders, event organizers, elected representatives, venues, artists and performers, families and young people," reads Fierté Canada Pride's proposal..Fierté Canada Pride (FCP) is the national association of Canadian Pride organizations, representing over 75 organizations across Canada that celebrate the incredible diversity of 2SLGBTQIA+1 people.."It is a time for 2SLGBTQI+ communities and allies to come together to celebrate the resilience of the Pride movement, to show the beauty and talent of the community, while also continuing to advocate for a safer and more inclusive Canada," Ien said in a statement to kick off Pride Season in Canada.."It is necessary for us all to keep in mind that while it is important that we take the opportunity to recognize the hard-earned victories of the Pride movement, we must continue pushing back on the sharp rise in anti-trans hate and anti-2SLGBTQI+ legislation, protests at drag events, the banning of educational books in schools, and calls against raising the Pride flag.".Ien said these regressive actions are not merely symbolic — they directly impact 2SLGBTQI+ people and have devastating impacts on people with intersecting lived experiences: including indigenous, black, and racialized communities, people with disabilities, and especially our young people.."That is why, in August 2022, we launched the 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan to address the persistent inequalities faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities, to prevent discrimination, while advancing rights and equality," Ien said."We are committed to this evergreen work through listening to leaders, experts, and advocates to find solutions that respond to the community’s needs. We are taking this work a step further, by moving forward with the development of a new Action Plan to Combat Hate – that will address hate faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and specifically, hate faced by trans people.".Ien said Canada has taken many steps forward, but there is still much more work to be done.."This Pride Season, I encourage everyone to take some time to speak with the 2SLGBTQI+ people in your life — especially our young people. Immerse yourself in the history of Pride, and if you have the opportunity, listen to the lived experiences of the Trans people in your city or town," Ien said.."For those in Ottawa, on Thursday, June 8 at 9 a.m., I’ll be raising the Pride Flag on Parliament Hill, and highlighting the incredible work of local community leaders. Stay connected with all the latest by checking out our Pride Season toolkit. Enjoy the celebrations, and Happy Pride everyone!”
