Homophobic march in Charlottetown meets resistance from LGBTSQ2 supporters and allies

Charlottetown P.E.I., September 20th, 2023

About 400 demonstrators gathered in the off-and-on rain at the Shaw Building on Grafton on September 20^th before marching to Rochford Square. The ‘1 Million March 4 Children’ (1MM4C) was a Canada-wide event and saw marchers and counter demonstrations in many cities, across Canada.

Counter-demonstrators and 1MM4C marchers in Charlottetown.

1MM4C was organized with the goal of protesting LGBTSQ2 rights in schools, and what they consider “gender ideology.” Approximately half of the protesters were counter-demonstrators.

The rally started at the Coles Building on Grafton St. The demonstration grew until it spilled onto Grafton St, leading Charlottetown Police Services to close the street.

1MM4C attempts to sing ‘Oh Canada',’ fails.

Lucky Fusca, and organizer with the P.E.I. Transgender Network, was one of the organizers of the Charlottetown counter-demonstration.

“I’m nervous for our community. I’m feeling exhausted that this is the third rally to protect the trans and gender diverse community this year, so there is a lot of hope. We’ve received a lot of support from organizations like the P.E.I. Human Rights Commissions, and from allies, has been incredible.”

“We felt like we waited long enough,” said two anonymous protesters, “watching people hate us from the sidelines.”

This was their first counter-protest. Though nervous and worried about what could happen, they were happy to see the turnout of counter-demonstrators. The activists, both members of the LGBTQS2 community, asked their names be withheld out of fear for their safety.

“We exist, and the fact that we exist will not go away. Trying to pretend we don’t exist isn’t going to benefit any child,” they said when commenting on the 1MMC4 event.

Counter-demonstrators block 1MM4C signs on Grafton St.

I’m surprised but also not surprised, at the turnout, sadly,” said Hannah Bell, former Green Party MLA, and community leader who was taking part in the march. “We can’t afford to be complacent or be intimidated.”

At 11, when the 1MM4C even began, the group attempted to sing ‘Oh Canada,’ but were drowned out by chants of “Trans lives matter.” Their speaker system then failed, so instead of speeches, they began the march.

“Push them into traffic! Let a bus run over them!” screamed an agitated older man with the 1MM4C group.

“Push them into traffic! Let a bus run over them,” yelled unnamed demonstrator.

He wasn’t alone

Shouts of “fuck you faggots” and “pedophile” were aimed at counter-demonstrators, some by children who appeared to be as young as eight years old.

Several 1MM4C demonstrators attempted to provoke counter-protesters by shouting things like “you people want to cut of children’s penises” at them while holding cameras in their faces to see the response.

1MM4C members on Grafton St.

Several people were pushed during the march, and an alleged sexual assault took place. 1MM4C demonstrators climbed onto vehicles on Great George St, and tried to open the door of a passing cab.

The counter-demonstrators were defiant in the face of hate. Henry Luyombya, a social worker with the PEERS Alliance expressed his excitement with the number of supporters who showed up for the event, a sentiment echoed by many in the community.

“Kids have a right to learn about their bodies. This is love protesting hate. Love in the rain.”

Henry Luyombya, Executive Director of New African Canadians, and a Social Worker with PEERS Alliance.

The event ended at the Shaw Building on Rochford St. The two groups marched there and faced off for approximately one hour. Shoving matches occurred and police intervened to separate the groups. 1MM4C demonstrators shoved counter-demonstrators while carrying children on their shoulders, and some waved bibles at police.

The four-hour event ended by 12:30, when the 1MM4C demonstrators left the area to the sound of counter-demonstrators dancing to ABBA’s Dancing Queen.

Demonstrators and counter-demonstrators exchanging words during the march.

Jessie Baker, an organizer with the PEERS Alliance, expressed her sadness about the event.

“I think we had a really strong showing but I think everyone is disappointed there was so much of an organized opposition.”

“What’s important to know is that it’s not just coming for trans kids in schools, said Baker. “It’s coming for everybody. It comes from clear fascist ideology.”

Police have yet to comment on the event, and the Community Liaison Officer on scene had no statement when asked. No arrests have been made.

“We are here to show the kids they’re not alone,:” said Fusca.

1MM4C marchers and counter-demonstrators faceoff outside the Shaw Building.

The scene was similar across Canada. In most cities, counter demonstrators outnumbered the 1MM4C demonstrators, but not everywhere. An activest in Red Deer Alberta described the event there.

“There’s no way to dress it up. The allies showed up here and were beautiful and composed, but were vastly outnumbered. Never experienced that level of vitriolic hate in my life. Calling us pedophiles and fingering us as trucks rolled by revving their engines.”