Once again, anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate group Save Canada plans to return to Ottawa to protest against a Drag Storytime event with the goal of shutting down the event. Once again, we are calling on community members to counter the far right, drown out their hate, and stop them from harassing families and children as they do when they are unopposed.
The last time that Save Canada tried to shut down a drag storytime in Ottawa, they failed miserably as 300 community members showed up to protect the event from 25 homophobic bullies. Since then, they have been doing anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate rallies at schools and drag storytime events across Ontario, sometimes rallying with open neo-Nazis outside of schools and family events. They returned to Ottawa on June 9th, where the community mobilized to shut down their planned anti-trans rally in front of three schools on Broadview Avenue and prevented them from reaching two of the schools that they planned to target. However, despite our hard-fought victory on June 9th, the far right has been emboldened by the events that day, where the Ottawa Police Service allowed far-right anti-2SLGBTQIA+ protesters to assault community members in front of schools with impunity.
This is not just about one drag storytime event. Save Canada is part of a broader anti-trans and anti-2SLBGTQIA+ movement that seeks to force trans people out of public life through both legal means and through violence and intimidation.
They are planning to return to Ottawa to protest in front of the National Arts Centre at 9:30 am. That’s why we are calling for the community to show up at 9:00 am and to show them once again that transphobic hate will never be welcome in our city.
Defend Drag Storytime (again)!
Wednesday, June 28th at 9:00 am
National Arts Centre
1 Elgin St
IMPORTANT: The far right likes to provoke conflict and get physically aggressive with counter-protesters, then portray themselves as the victims in an effort to either raise their profile and create content or attempt to get counter-protesters arrested. They also may attempt to doxx and harass those who oppose their hateful agenda.
By taking some precautions, we can keep each other safe while facing down far right instigators.:
Do not give interviews to far right media outlets or “independent journalists”
Don’t debate far-right trolls. Drown them out with chants and noise! Especially if they are filming or livestreaming and looking for content.
Do not film supporters without their permission, and do not livestream. Do film the far right, fake journalists, and the police in order to protect yourself and your friends.
Protect your identity. Mask up, and use signs, flags, umbrellas, etc., to protect yourself from being photographed by far right activists or fake news outlets.
Do not talk to the police
Maintain situational awareness, and watch each others’ backs
Try to arrive and leave as a group
Check the weather, drive safely and dress appropriately! Give yourself plenty of time to arrive!
For more information, visit the Safety Plan section of our website!
And remember — the more people show up, the safer it is for everyone on our side! Like all bullies, the far right likes to act tough when they can get away with it, but are not so tough when they’re outnumbered!