By: Sofia Chassomeris, News Writer

On September 20, parents against the addition of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) program to public schools organized “1 Million March 4 Children” protests across BC. Global News reported that the turnout for these protests was “sparse in comparison to previous years,” with more counter-protests that formed in opposition. 

The SOGI program describes itself as an “inclusive education initiative” that offers educators tools, resources, and strategies needed to address discrimination, foster inclusivity, and create welcoming classrooms. The resource package is not in the BC curriculum and its use is not mandated, but some classrooms use it. The provincial education ministry endorses the program.

Anti-SOGI protesters marched claiming to defend “parental rights” in deciding what their children learn. Wilbur Turner, 2SLGBTQIA+ rights advocate and president of Advocacy Canada, said opposition to SOGI was “spurred by misinformation” about the program’s role in public education. In 2023, the 1 Million March 4 Children drew “massive turnouts” from both anti-SOGI protestors and counter-protests across BC. This year, Global News reported “protests failed to materialize at all in Victoria or Vancouver.”

The SOGI program has been a point of contention since its introduction in 2016. The discussion has been raised in light of the upcoming provincial election, with the Conservative Party of BC campaigning for the removal of the SOGI program from classrooms. Leader John Rustad defended the protests, saying, “There’s no hate in that. The issue is around parental rights and parents being involved in their children’s education.”

The Vancouver Sun reported that SOGI “angered some parents who are religiously opposed or who argue it could encourage children to change genders.” The Peak interviewed Dr. Travers, professor of sociology at SFU. In response to parental concerns, Travers said, “Not having queer-inclusive and trans-inclusive education doesn’t make queer and trans students and people go away, it just makes us more miserable.” They said that the program provides instructors “guidance about how to create inclusive spaces for queer and trans students. 

“It doesn’t actually increase the number of [queer and trans] people, it just creates an environment where those who are queer and trans feel more comfortable being visible.”

The SOGI website has many resources for educators who are committed to fostering inclusivity. Travers explained the importance of the resources, saying, “We know that when queer and trans students don’t feel included in school spaces, they struggle with mental health issues, self-esteem, etc.” They also mentioned that creating safe school spaces “benefits all students,” citing a reduction in violence and bullying against 2SLGBTQIA+ students in schools where SOGI resources are used.

“People think you’re bringing sex and gender into the schools. No, we’re just interrupting the way that it normatively structures the institutions and curriculum,” they said, referencing the “taken-for-granted” normalization of heterosexuality that marginalizes queer and trans people. Heteronormativity assumes that all people are heterosexual and cisgender, which can exclude queer folks. 

In contrast to Rustad’s claim that there is “no hate” in anti-SOGI protests, Travers said “they’re anti-LGBT.” They spoke about the rise of politicians who are “using fear-mongering around queer and trans inclusion. 

“It’s a very deliberate creation of a moral panic that’s designed to help conservative politicians and movements seize state power in a way that is going to be very harsh for everyone,” said Travers. “All the advancements in social justice are on the table with these groups.”