Affirming Connections and the co-signers of this letter, stand in support of drag performers and 2SLGBTQ+ communities across Canada.

Over the past year, we have seen a clear rise in malicious misinformation, conspiracy theories, threats, and violence that  target drag performers and trans people. In 2021 alone, hate crimes against the queer community rose by 64%, and this number continues to rise.  

Family-friendly, age-appropriate drag storytime performances for children have become frequent targets of hatred and protests. This puts unnecessary strain on a community of performers participating in a beautiful and deeply-rooted art form and medium for gender expression. It also stokes the flames of bigotry against anyone perceived to go against rigid gender “norms” and puts drag performers, as well as trans and gender-nonconforming people, at higher risk of receiving harassment and abuse. 

Much of this abuse and misinformation is connected to Christian far-right groups, and is sometimes couched explicitly in a theological defense. 

We believe that a religious attack calls for a religious response. It is the primary responsibility of those who identify as people of faith, and faith communities, to actively refute these kinds of bigotry, both within their own groups and the wider community! And we invite ALL those who stand against hate to join us.

We invite you to add your name to this open letter to let others know that you publicly stand with drag performers and the 2SLGBTQ+ folks who have been facing the brunt of these threats. Your voice on this issue truly matters. 

We also encourage you to discuss this issue with your faith community and/or broader community, commit to further actions, and share this form for others to sign. The signers will be posted on our website.