Supporters of SOGI education, the LGBTQ community and inclusion vastly outnumbered those wanting a change at multiple rallies held throughout Nanaimo on Wednesday. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

LOUD AND PROUD

VIDEO: ‘Here to celebrate SOGI:’ overwhelming support for sexual orientation education at Nanaimo rallies

Sep 20, 2023 | 9:36 AM

NANAIMO — Emotions ran high, however a public rally both for and against aspects of the current school curriculum remained largely peaceful.

Around six protesters against school curriculum on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) were met initially by around 75 counter-demonstrators supporting the provincially-mandated education, later swelling to roughly 150, at the SD68 Board Office on Wakesiah Ave. on Wednesday, Sept. 20.

At the heart of the matter is whether or not issues around SOGI should be addressed in class, or whether it should be left solely to parents and caregivers at home. Erica Bakewell, co-founder of The Coast is Queer, said there seems to be a lot of confusion from those against SOGI.

“We are out here to celebrate SOGI, to celebrate the School District, to show that we are so thankful for their support as the community as the LGBTQ community and we think that many people are using this platform for whatever their version of hate is, they’re just taking it and using it so they can come out here and be ugly, and we’re currently the victims.”

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First Rally – Outside SD68 office
The two sides initially kept distance along Wakesiah Ave., however the two rallies merged outside the office just after 9 a.m.

Protesters against SOGI carried signs and attempted to tell the gathered crowd to “wake up”, with counter demonstrators chanting slogans in unison, including “no space for hate”.

A small number of Nanaimo RCMP officers were on scene to ensure the situation remained civil, with counter demonstrators actively standing in front of those protesting SOGI.

Carol, one of those in attendance supporting SOGI education, told NanaimoNewsNOW the issue centred around supporting the rights of all children to education.

“There’s pushback from certain groups that think this is about something that it isn’t, they say there’s things being taught in elementary school that aren’t…it’s a lot of hate mongering and bigotry to be honest. We just want to support the School District…for supporting us and be a vocal protest to the hate that’s being displayed here today.”

Both groups left the School District office around 9:40 a.m.

Nanaimo RCMP officers maintained a presence at the rallies outside Nanaimo City Hall on Wednesday. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Second rally – Nanaimo City Hall
Both groups walked down Third St./Fitzwilliam St. for a second rally beginning at 10:30 a.m. and were joined by additional supporters from both sides.

Counter protesters supporting SOGI still outnumbered those upset with the education, by roughly 10 to one.

At the City Hall rally, Lynn said she was demonstrating on behalf of her grandchild.

She is concerned about what she said is the sexualization of education, especially around same sex couples and transgender people.

“I don’t believe the sex education that’s being taught in schools is appropriate and when we have transgenders going in and reading them stories in selective clothing, absolutely not. God’s being taken out of schools and I believe Satan’s slipping right in.”

She cited books in school “teaching [kids] transgender too much” and said the material was too graphic for children who are “so young, so vulnerable”.

At least one arrest was made, with Mounties chasing a man who ran from the City Hall protest after allegedly pushing an opposing protester.

Hundreds of mainly SOGI supporters gathered at Maffeo Sutton park on Wednesday morning, ahead of planned speakers and other events from those against the education in schools. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Third rally – Maffeo Sutton Park
Roughly 1,000 people were gathered around 11 a.m. at the park, centered around the Lions Pavilion.

Those opposing SOGI had planned speakers and other events beginning at 12 p.m.

Counter demonstrators in support of SOGI occupied the Pavilion area, eventually seeing protesters move to the south edge of the park, near Front St. to hold a gathering.

Several people spoke at the event, including Stephen Walton who ran as the PPC candidate in the 2021 Federal Election.

Around 120 people attended.

History, context and wider reaction
Lessons and related supports around SOGI were formally introduced to the B.C. school system in 2016.

Curriculum is presented in a way “that makes every student feel like they belong”, according to the ministry of education, and “welcoming everyone without discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Bakewell said it’s unlikely many protesting against SOGI are even familiar with what is in the curriculum and what information teachers are providing to students.

“In kindergarten, grade one, grade two…it’s as simple as we all have different families, some of us have two mom’s some have two dad’s, it’s so not what people are spouting. We’re not saying ‘you know what it’s time to change your gender because you felt like putting on a dress today little Johnny’.

The LGBTQ+ flag flying outside the SD68 board office on Wakesiah Ave., prior to Wednesday’s rallies. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

In a joint statement issued Tuesday, Sept. 19 from Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools, Nanaimo District Teachers Association and CUPE Local 606, unwavering support was offered for all students.

“We want to affirm our recognition of your [LGBTQ2S+ students] presence, and we want to emphasize our unwavering support for you. You are an indispensible part of our school community and we are firmly committed to nurturing an environment in which you can excel.”

The statement, signed by SD68 superintendent Scott Saywell, Jo Cornthwaite, NDTA president, and Jeff Virtanen, CUPE president, closed by saying all student’s rights and dignity “will always be upheld” and a commitment to inclusivity will be ever present.

A spokesperson from Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools said the District was quick to take steps towards equality for all students.

SD68 adopted a new Inclusion policy in 2016, a move which is believed to be the first by a School District in B.C.

Around six people were in attendance at an anti-SOGI rally, planned for a 9 a.m. start time on Wakesiah Ave. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Those against SOGI education in schools say it should be up to parents to determine what is taught to their children.

Issues from the movement range from lessons around sexual education to the use or encouragement of proper pronouns.

The website for the organization linked to Wednesday’s protests mentioned their cause is “mainly focused on protection of children against LGBTQIA+ ideology in school system and not to fight back against the LGBTQ community.”

It goes on to say adults are able to make choices regarding their lifestyles, however they are concerned about the “indoctrination of children” regarding LGBTQ+ matters.

“Our concern is that certain decisions, especially those that have permanent, life-changing consequences, should be made when an individual is mature enough to fully grasp their implications.”

Locally, SOGI was a topic repeatedly discussed during the 2022 municipal elections, reaching a boiling point when one candidate showed graphic images of gender reassignment surgeries to those in attendance.

Those protesting SOGI education in schools were vastly outnumbered, and often blocked by counter demonstrators Wednesday morning. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Messaging from the group on Wednesday however overlapped and frequently referenced issues stemming from the Freedom Convoy and COVID-19 public health measures.

In a public Facebook live stream prior to the event by one attendee, he suggested “Antifa” would attend to join “the mob squad”, referencing counter demonstrators.

“Look at buddy with the Antifa look there. We got Antifa joining the mob squad. They’ve got plans, Antifa’s got plans”

In the video at the time, shot from a distance away, was a School District official, and RCMP officer and a NanaimoNewsNOW reporter.

Supporters of SOGI education in schools vastly outnumbered those opposed at a rally along Wakesiah Ave. on Wednesday, Sept. 20. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Rally in Parksville
Around 200 people gathered outside Parksville City Hall and the nearby cenotaph for a similar demonstration.

Messaging from both sides was consistent to what was heard in Nanaimo, with no reports of issues arising from the demonstration.

A march from SOGI protesters went through counter-demonstrators.

Those marching chanted “hey hey, ho ho, tell the teachers we say no” while counter demonstrators sang “give trans kids a chance” in response.

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