Dear UVSS Members,
It has come to our attention that the SUB was vandalized with vulgar transphobic graffiti. To be clear, this was a premeditated hate crime carried out on the first day of Pride Month that the SUB was open.
Incidents such as these highlight the necessity of Pride Month and Pride as a broader movement, especially right now. Queer and Trans+ people are being used as a prop in a culture war, and it is disproportionately Transgender Women who are being targeted. As transphobes get louder, allies must get EVEN LOUDER. Trans Women are Women, Trans rights are human rights, the gender binary is oppressive and colonial, and gender diversity beautifies and enriches our community.
The UVSS condemns not only this specific hate crime, but all transphobic acts of its kind and the hateful rhetoric that motivates. As Pride Month comes and goes this year, we reaffirm our commitment to serving 2SLGBTQIA+ people and communities on campus all year round. We strive to make the SUB a place where every gender identity is not only respected, but celebrated.
With respect and care,
UVSS Lead Directors
Lindsey, Griffin, Michael, Jonah and Katie
Gender Empowerment Centre
UVSS Pride Collective