AUPE members stand with LGBTQ2S+ Albertans through culture wars
It seems that whenever Albertan politicians need political pawns to argue that society is unravelling, they target the LGBTQ2S+ community. In fact, a media culture war has broken out to dehumanize transgender and gender-diverse Canadians since protections for gender identity or expression became law in 2017.
Unions like AUPE, as well as our allies in the progressive labour movement, have long-advocated for equal rights, including rights for LGBTQ2S+ Albertans. It’s our responsibility to hold steady as a front-line defense for human rights in the workplace.
“Nobody should go to work afraid to express who they really are,” says Bobby-Joe Borodey, AUPE Vice-President and chair of the union’s Human Rights Committee. “As the world changes, we will adapt and grow as labour unions have for over 100 years. More than that, we can be the ones pushing for progress on human rights.”
We know that a lot of progress still needs to be made to ensure all members can feel safe and thrive in Alberta’s diverse workplaces. The struggles for fair wages, equal treatment, and protection from harassment are all connected regardless of race, age, sexual identity or gender expression.
“Nobody should go to work afraid to express who they really are."
The truth is, our most vulnerable members are under attack. Hateful politicians in the United States have recently introduced over 400 bills to restrict and criminalize gender expression in schools, workplaces and even in public spaces. These bills, and the hateful rhetoric surrounding them, cause severe emotional distress and anxiety for many people who are simply trying to live their lives.
Albertans are watching as this culture war infiltrates our news reports, social media, and politics. During the 2023 provincial election, one UCP candidate was caught on tape comparing transgender children to feces in food. Extremists in our province have protested dozens of public LGBTQ2S+ community events, some even advocating for the genocide of trans people.
“We must push forward and enact union policies to close the gaps caused by discrimination."
We must fight back. The time for solidarity is now and forever.
“We won't back down on human rights issues,” says Borodey. “Our message to members is that you are valid and you are welcome in Alberta."
AUPE's Human Rights Committee is participating in three Pride events this summer, including a BBQ hosted at AUPE headquarters in Edmonton.
Members and their families are invited to join AUPE’s Human Rights Committe at one of these 2023 Pride Events to celebrate our diversity and solidarity:
- Lethbridge Pride Parade – June 24, 2023
- Edmonton Pride BBQ at AUPE Headquarters – August 20, 2023
- Calgary Pride Parade – September 3, 2023
More details about these events will be made available through your area council in the weeks that follow.
“We must push forward and enact union policies to close the gaps caused by discrimination,” says Borodey. “Together, we stand united in opposing hate and discrimination in all its forms. AUPE remains committed to providing thoughtful and respectful education materials and member courses on a wide range of topics such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.”