Joint Statement Supporting Trans Kids

September 21, 2023

Public Letter: Multifaith Leaders Affirming Trans Kids

As Multifaith and Christian leaders in Greater Victoria we stand together protecting trans and non-binary kids, in response to hate rallies that were held across Canada earlier this week. This response is part of our call to love our neighbour and encourage others to join us. The voices of hate threatening the safety of trans and non-binary kids cannot stand. Like Civil Rights movements that came before it was never about sharing water fountains, so too today it’s not about sharing bathrooms or pronouns.

   We recognize it takes more than counter protesting one hate rally, although we are buoyed by the turnout of queer-affirming counter protesters at Wednesday’s rally. It’s about building relationships with members of the queer community within faith communities and beyond. It’s about confessing the legacy of religious trauma queer people continue experiencing within religious communities and a willingness for us to be better. Rooted in love, we stand united as queer-affirming leaders to build more inclusive faith and religious institutions.

Rev. Lyndon Sayers, Lutheran Church of the Cross, Multifaith UVic

Fiona Prince, Jewish Spiritual Care Provider, Multifaith UVic

Dan Taft, Roman Catholic Spiritual Care Provider, Multifaith UVic

Peter Scales, Unitarian Spiritual Care Provider, Multifaith UVic

David Batterham, Bahá’í Spiritual Care Provider, Multifaith UVic

Hoyu Boulter, Buddhist Spiritual Care Provider, Multifaith UVic

Rev. Ruth Dantzer, Anglican Spiritual Care Provider, Multifaith UVic

Rev. Lyle McKenzie, Lutheran Church of the Cross, Multifaith UVic

Rev. Laura Kavanagh, Knox Presbyterian, Multifaith UVic

Rev. Christine Conkin, St. George’s Anglican Church

Rev. Mark Green, Broad View United

Rev. Ha Na Park, Broad View United

Rev. Min-Goo Kang, Broad View United, Multifaith UVic

Rev. Margaret Harper, Broad View United

Rev. Joan Scandrett, Anglican

Rev. Daniel Fournier, St. Luke Cedar Hill Anglican Church

Rev. Cathy Victor, Presbyterian