We Demand

We Demand was a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Canada, sparked by a protest held on August 28, 1971, in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, where activists such as Brent Hawkes and George Hislop demanded equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals. This event was influenced by the Stonewall riots in New York City and the Gay Liberation Front in the United States. The movement drew support from various organizations, including the University of Toronto's Homophile Association and the Body Politic, a Toronto-based LGBTQ+ magazine.

● Introduction

The We Demand protest was a response to the lack of protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in Canada, particularly in the wake of the Criminal Code reforms introduced by Pierre Trudeau's Liberal Party of Canada in 1969. The movement was inspired by the work of LGBTQ+ activists such as Frank Kameny, who had been advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States since the 1950s. The protest also drew attention to the issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Canada, including discrimination and persecution by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other law enforcement agencies.

● History

The We Demand protest was organized by a group of LGBTQ+ activists from Toronto, including Brent Hawkes and George Hislop, who were influenced by the Stonewall riots and the Gay Liberation Front in the United States. The protest was held on August 28, 1971, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, where activists presented a list of demands to the Canadian government, including the repeal of discriminatory laws and the protection of LGBTQ+ rights. The movement was supported by various organizations, including the University of Toronto's Homophile Association and the Body Politic, a Toronto-based LGBTQ+ magazine that was founded by Gerald Hannon and Hank Pellissier.

● Key Demands

The We Demand protest presented a list of key demands to the Canadian government, including the repeal of Section 251 of the Criminal Code, which prohibited homosexual acts between consenting adults. The movement also demanded the protection of LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace and in the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as the establishment of LGBTQ+ community centers and support services for LGBTQ+ individuals. The demands were influenced by the work of LGBTQ+ activists such as Frank Kameny and Barbara Gittings, who had been advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States since the 1950s. The movement drew support from various organizations, including the Canadian Labour Congress and the New Democratic Party.

● Impact and Legacy

The We Demand protest had a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Canada, leading to the repeal of discriminatory laws and the protection of LGBTQ+ rights. The movement inspired the formation of various LGBTQ+ organizations across Canada, including the Gay Alliance Toward Equality and the Lesbian Organization of Toronto. The protest also drew attention to the issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Canada, including discrimination and persecution by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other law enforcement agencies. The movement was supported by various organizations, including the University of Toronto's Homophile Association and the Body Politic, a Toronto-based LGBTQ+ magazine that was founded by Gerald Hannon and Hank Pellissier.

● Notable Supporters

The We Demand protest drew support from various notable figures, including Brent Hawkes, George Hislop, and Gerald Hannon, who were all influential LGBTQ+ activists in Canada. The movement also drew support from various organizations, including the University of Toronto's Homophile Association and the Body Politic, a Toronto-based LGBTQ+ magazine. The protest was also supported by various politicians, including Pierre Trudeau and Tommy Douglas, who were both influential figures in Canadian politics. The movement was also influenced by the work of LGBTQ+ activists such as Frank Kameny and Barbara Gittings, who had been advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States since the 1950s.

● Criticism and Controversy

The We Demand protest was not without controversy, with some critics arguing that the movement was too radical and that its demands were too extreme. The movement was also criticized by some LGBTQ+ individuals who felt that the protest did not adequately represent their interests and concerns. The protest was also opposed by some conservative groups, including the Social Credit Party of Canada, which argued that the movement was a threat to traditional Canadian values. Despite these criticisms, the We Demand protest remains an important moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Canada, and its legacy continues to be felt today. The movement drew support from various organizations, including the Canadian Labour Congress and the New Democratic Party, and was influenced by the work of LGBTQ+ activists such as Frank Kameny and Barbara Gittings.

Category:LGBTQ+ rights movement in Canada