Most people have been content to ignore the anti-vax, pro-conspiracy messages that have been regularly hanging from banners on North Vancouver’s Mountain Highway overpass.
But recently, the tone and target of the messages changed, prompting reaction from public officials over the new anti-trans content.
Such baseless attacks on trans rights are the latest battle in the ongoing fight for human and civil rights, in which some groups – including the bridge banner group – are determined to be on the wrong side of history.
Unfortunately the local malcontents aren’t alone in spreading their truth-challenged vitriol. Efforts to restrict or walk back transgender rights or foment public opinion against them has become the latest issue for social conservatives to rally behind across North America, reaching into areas including discussion in schools, medical treatment and participation in sport. Laws limiting trans rights south of the border have been on a frightening trajectory.
As in previous battles over issues like same-sex marriage, human rights are only advanced when they are fought for.
The North Shore Pride Alliance does a lot of heavy lifting locally on that front. Every year, the organization also faces some kind of vandalism to pride symbols. They never waver from their message of acceptance and love.
Anyone concerned about the anti-trans banners would do well to support the alliance in their work. Trans rights aren’t just about transgender people. Our willingness to stand up to hate says much about all of us.
Editor's note: A previous version of this editorial made use of the word "transgendered" in a subhead. We have removed the use of the word as it considered offensive because it suggests that being trans is something that happens to someone, as opposed to an identity someone is born with.
