Anti-trans activist poorly received in Ottawa
Anti-"transgender children" activist Chris Elston was not welcome in Ottawa, according to local elected officials who participated in a counter-protest Tuesday outside Nepean High School on Broadview Avenue in Ottawa."Hate slogans have no place in our community!" said Ottawa Centre NDP MP Joel Harden in an interview with Le Droit.
The activist was walking around with signs denouncing "gender ideology" in front of the high school. He was then confronted by nearly 85 demonstrators who came to block him. "There is no tolerance for those who try to harass children because of their difference," harden continues, who says the activist took photos of children in addition to shouting discriminatory messages before the counter-protesters arrived.
"Before it was against homosexuals, then against marriage equality, then against abortion and now it's against the integrity of transgender children," adds Catherine McKenney, who represents Somerset ward on Ottawa City Council.
The solidarity community
According to elected officials, Mr. Elston's discourse contributes to the stigmatization and marginalization of young people who feel different because of their questions about their gender identity. "Nearly half of Ottawa's homeless youth are at this point because their families, their community or their church do not accept their gender identity," harden said.
The activist was walking around with signs denouncing "gender ideology" in front of the high school. He was then confronted by nearly 85 demonstrators who came to block him. "There is no tolerance for those who try to harass children because of their difference," harden continues, who says the activist took photos of children in addition to shouting discriminatory messages before the counter-protesters arrived.
"Before it was against homosexuals, then against marriage equality, then against abortion and now it's against the integrity of transgender children," adds Catherine McKenney, who represents Somerset ward on Ottawa City Council.
The solidarity community
According to elected officials, Mr. Elston's discourse contributes to the stigmatization and marginalization of young people who feel different because of their questions about their gender identity. "Nearly half of Ottawa's homeless youth are at this point because their families, their community or their church do not accept their gender identity," harden said.
NDP MP for Ottawa Centre Joel Harden (left)
COURTESY, JOEL HARDENIt is therefore, according to Mr. Harden, a duty of the community to show solidarity with children living with questions about their gender. The MP called the counter-protest a "victory" as he praised participants for preventing Chris Elston from launching his message to children. "It shows that there are many people with progressive values in Ottawa and that we will continue to show solidarity when such situations happen again," he says.
Transgender Children and Mental Health
Chris Elston denies being transphobic and says he opposes "propaganda" aimed at indoctrinating children to change their sexual identity. In September 2020, he made headlines after paying for a billboard in support of author JF Rowling then caught up in a controversy over her comments on biology and gender identity.
"We know that children who question their gender or need gender affirmation have a higher risk of suicide, depression and anxiety," says Catherine McKenney. Schools offer psychological support to these children as they know about their transition,
no matter what form it may take."
"If citizens have questions or criticisms about the pedagogy surrounding transgender children, they can come to my office to tell me about it. However, entering a high school is certainly not the right place," concludes Joel Harden.
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Do you or your loved ones need help? Do not hesitate to call 1-866-APPELLE (277-3553), or Tel-Aide Outaouais (819-775-3223 in Gatineau and 613-741-6433 in Ottawa). On the Ottawa side, you can also call the Ottawa Mental Health Crisis Line at 613-722-6914. You can also visit the commentparlerdusuicide.com website
COURTESY, JOEL HARDENIt is therefore, according to Mr. Harden, a duty of the community to show solidarity with children living with questions about their gender. The MP called the counter-protest a "victory" as he praised participants for preventing Chris Elston from launching his message to children. "It shows that there are many people with progressive values in Ottawa and that we will continue to show solidarity when such situations happen again," he says.
Transgender Children and Mental Health
Chris Elston denies being transphobic and says he opposes "propaganda" aimed at indoctrinating children to change their sexual identity. In September 2020, he made headlines after paying for a billboard in support of author JF Rowling then caught up in a controversy over her comments on biology and gender identity.
"We know that children who question their gender or need gender affirmation have a higher risk of suicide, depression and anxiety," says Catherine McKenney. Schools offer psychological support to these children as they know about their transition,
no matter what form it may take."
"If citizens have questions or criticisms about the pedagogy surrounding transgender children, they can come to my office to tell me about it. However, entering a high school is certainly not the right place," concludes Joel Harden.
***
Do you or your loved ones need help? Do not hesitate to call 1-866-APPELLE (277-3553), or Tel-Aide Outaouais (819-775-3223 in Gatineau and 613-741-6433 in Ottawa). On the Ottawa side, you can also call the Ottawa Mental Health Crisis Line at 613-722-6914. You can also visit the commentparlerdusuicide.com website
SIMON LEFRANC
The Law
Anti-trans activist poorly received in Ottawa | Ottawa| | News The Law - Gatineau, Ottawa (ledroit.com)
The Law
Anti-trans activist poorly received in Ottawa | Ottawa| | News The Law - Gatineau, Ottawa (ledroit.com)