CUPE Ontario marks Pink Triangle Day, the first major legal victory for the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Rights movement. That victory was the acquittal of the officers of Pink Triangle Press (Xtra’s parent), who had been charged with obscenity. Since the court’s decision had been handed down on February 14th, it was decided to be held every year on that day. Although the 14th was usually commemorated as Valentine’s Day, marking this event also takes the opportunity to affirm for the world, the existence, the strength, and the beauty of gay love. Using the pink triangle, reclaiming this symbol used to single out, persecute, imprison and murder 2SLGBTQI+ people under the Nazi regime, makes it all the more powerful.
The pink triangle, once used as a badge of shame in concentration camps, was reclaimed in 1979 as a symbol of resistance, pride and collective strength. It should be noted, however, that once liberation occurred and the Nazis were defeated, those with pink triangles remained imprisoned until gay liberation in the 1960s. And the cruelty did not end with liberation. Many survivors were re-arrested, re-imprisoned, or silenced in their home countries under laws that continued to criminalize them—some not repealed until 1969. Justice was denied; dignity postponed.
This serves as a stark reminder of what can happen when governments single out marginalized communities for their own political gains.
Across Canada, we are witnessing renewed attacks on the 2SLGBTQI+ community, especially amongst our trans and gender-diverse youth. Gender identity and gender expression are protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act. The notwithstanding clause in the Charter is being used by Alberta and Saskatchewan to override these human rights.
In Alberta, Bill 26 and the so-called “Fairness and Safety in Sport Act” restrict the rights, dignity and safety of trans and gender-diverse young people. Policies that exclude trans youth from classrooms, health care supports, or school sports do not make communities safer. They deepen stigma, isolation and harm.
Globally, hate crimes targeting queer and trans folks continue to rise. Every day, disinformation and scapegoating are used to divide working people from one another at a time when solidarity is needed most.
As a union representing more than 300,000 workers across the province, CUPE Ontario rejects that division. We believe in inclusive public services, safe schools and workplaces, and human rights protections that apply to everyone.
CUPE Ontario demands that Prime Minister Mark Carney uphold Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms and stop being complicit in the blatant discrimination towards Canada’s trans and queer youth.
