A Season of Celebration and Solidarity
Pride season is a time of celebration, and an opportunity for expressions of solidarity and collective action. Pride events are also a powerful reminder of the progress that has been made in advancing the rights and well-being of our diverse membership. BCNU proudly stands alongside Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) members and recognizes their courage and commitment in advocating for equity in our union and the communities we serve.
This Pride season, the union reaffirms its dedication to creating an environment where every member feels safe, respected, and valued. We also commit to working diligently to fight discrimination and prejudice in all its forms – within and outside our organization.
This commitment has never been more important given the disturbing rise in anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate speech across the province and country in recent months. This summer, we witnessed right-wing politicians supporting hate speech by posing for photos with anti-2SLGBTQIA+ demonstrators wearing “straight pride” shirts or standing with anti-trans groups bearing messages portraying 2SLGBTQIA+ people as a threat to children. Nurses demand and expect more from our leaders, and this hatred has no place in our communities.
We have also been confronted with disturbing acts of hatred and vandalism targeting 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly signage in communities around the province, most recently with the defacement of a newly painted rainbow crosswalk in Saanich and the burning of a Pride flag in Hope, where vandals also defaced the town’s Pride crosswalk with homophobic slurs.
Our members’ very lives are being threatened by these disturbing acts of hatred and violence, and we demand and expect health employers and politicians to show leadership and do more to support and defend the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
The increasing attacks on 2SLGBTQIA+ people means it is more important than ever for BCNU members to come together in solidarity and support. Attend a Pride event in your community to show support for your 2SLGBTQIA+ co-workers and neighbours and join them in championing diversity, inclusivity, and the fundamental rights of every individual. Together, we can create a society where everyone can live without fear of prejudice, discrimination, or violence.
Want to do more in your community or worksite? Contact your regional BCNU LGBTQ caucus chair or provincial caucus chair Jessy Dame.
Learn more about BCNU’s LGBTQ Caucus. Happy Pride!