We’re in the heart of Pride season in BC, and the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators is proud to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ2S community.

Rainbow flag and heart Pride 2016
Happy Pride from FPSE!

As we celebrate Pride events across the province, we can’t forget that there is still work to be done. The horrific events that took place in Orlando just weeks ago serve as a powerful reminder that we must all work together to combat hatred, violence, and discrimination against the LGBTQ2S community. This year, an important step was taken when the federal government introduced Bill C-16, amending the Canadian Human Rights Act to ban discrimination based on gender identity or gender expression. The legislation will also amend Canada’s Criminal Code to protect transgender people from hate propaganda. In BC, the Official Opposition has encouraged the provincial government to take similar steps, though so far to no avail.

Post-secondary institutions must be safe for all members of campus communities to express freely their gender identity and sexual orientation. As educators, we must do all we can to foster a culture of openness, respect, and appreciation for diversity and intersectionality, and to create learning environments for our students that encourage the free expression of gender identity and sexual orientation.

FPSE encourages all members to show support for LGBTQ2S equity by taking part in Pride celebrations in your communities. Pride festivals are an opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments, and to keep working for a society where everybody is free to express who they are and free to love who they want.

About FPSE

The Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC is the provincial voice for faculty and staff in BC teaching universities, colleges and institutes, and in private sector institutions. FPSE member locals, represented by Presidents' Council and the Executive, represent over 10,000 faculty and staff at 19 public and 5 private sector institutions.