People gathered for a peaceful counter-protest filled with music, speeches and community art projects at Fredericton’s legislature on Sept. 20.
The counter protest was a success for organizers. It was arranged to combat a 1 Million March for Children rally that was scheduled on the same day.
Nicki Lyons-MacFarlane was one of the organizers of the event and was pleased by the turnout.
“[1 Million March for Children] is a very transphobic, homophobic organization,” said Lyons-MacFarlane. “We have absolutely outnumbered them, there are no kind of protestors.”
1 Million March for Children is an organization that holds protests across the country against SOGI 123.
SOGI 123 is an education resource which empowers educators to make schools more inclusive for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
The community gathering was held due to a rise in hate towards 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
The presence of students was felt at the counter protest as many were in the crowd to show their support.
Emmanuelle Jackson is a student at St. Thomas University and was one of the featured speakers at the counter-protest. Jackson is also a co-chair for Fredericton Pride.
“I think it’s really important for students to take a stand and speak up for the things that they believe in, because the more voices that are out there, the stronger they are,” said Jackson.
Nicole Bethune was an attendee who also spoke at the counter-protest. As a STU alum, she felt inspired by the amount of student support.
“[Students] are leaders, they’re on the up and up and they’re the change makers,” said Bethune. “I’m literally inspired by every student I see.”
The counter-protest included stories and personal anecdotes from both those who were expected to speak and those who instinctively expressed themselves in front of a large audience.
Lyons-MacFarlane said it was important that voices were heard at the event to make sure that people are going to “continue fighting and healing.”
“We had parents speak, we had teachers speak, we had queer youth speak and these voices don’t get heard that much in these conversations about trans rights and what impact it has had on their lives,” said Lyons MacFarlane.
For students who want to get more involved in the community, Jackson mentioned that the annual general meeting for Fredericton Pride is scheduled to take place on Nov. 2.
“It’s really important for people to show up to that if they want to see some change,” said Jackson.
As the allotted time for speakers came to an end, there were plenty of people amongst the crowd who stood up and wanted to share their personal experiences of discrimination.
According to Bethune the counter protest was about people surrounding themselves with those who are like minded in the community.
“It’s a good reminder to know that you’re not alone in the world and that there’s other people who are having similar experiences,” said Bethune. “Surround yourself with humans who support you, affirm you, validate you, because the rest of them don’t matter.”
