Toronto – May 11, 2024 – UFCW Canada and its local unions are proud to participate in Rainbow Week of Action from May 11-17, 2024.

Created by Momentum Canada, the week is dedicated to celebrating diversity, 2SLGBTQ+ progress, and fighting for change.2SLGBTQ+ hate is on the rise in Canada. There has been a 64% increase in hate crimes targeting queer and trans people in recent years. In September 2023, Conservative party members voted by large majorities to officially adopt anti-trans policies. Anti-trans legislation and policies have been struck in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick.

Rainbow Week of Action is a step forward in reclaiming the narrative! As a united labour movement with know that an attack on trans rights is an attack on all worker rights and human rights, and we will not let this happen. Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ organizations leading this work is critical to ensuring the work to combat hate applies a multifaceted justice lens. Union members also know the power of collective action. This week we are ramping up our actions, as we lead up to May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia & Transphobia, for which the 2024 theme is “No one left behind: Equality, Freedom and Justice for All”.

We are also reclaiming the worker narrative through the voices of UFCW youth speaking up in defense of trans justice. Follow along with UFCW Canada on social media this week to hear their voices.

You can participate in Rainbow Week of Action by visiting www.rainbowequality.cato find details on rallies, webinars and letter writing opportunities. Additionally, add your name to the #Act4QueerSafetydigital campaign in defense of trans rights by visiting our UFCW Canada Action Centre.

UFCW Outreach is partnering with Drag Academy this season to deliver online webinars (in English only) on Drag and Gender, 2SLGBTQ+ Bias & Microaggression, and The Art of Allyship. Learn more and how to register here.