Pride is a movement. It is people coming together. Our government's commitment to supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities remains strong. We continue to work alongside them to ensure that everyone has the right to be who they are and to love whom they love. Please consider attending the 2nd annual Pride Walk in Richmond (#RichmondPrideWalk).

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The work that I as a Member of the Legislative Assembly do in support of Pride matter, and, a community walk is part of this work. Here are some of the actions my colleagues and I in the provincial government have taken to date:

• Raising the Trans Flag: In 2019, we flew the Trans flag on the lawn of the B.C. legislature for the first time in history and continue to do so every year. Learn more.

• Pro-Bono Legal Clinic: We partnered with QMUNITY and the Law Foundation of British Columbia to establish B.C.’s first pro-bono 2SLGBTQIA+ legal clinic. Read more.

• Anti-Hate Community Support Fund: Launched to support organizations at risk of hate-motivated crimes. Details here.

• Legislation for Safety: Introduced new legislation to help keep kids safe by preventing disruptive behaviour, including aggressive protests, on school grounds. More info.

• Human Rights Commission: Re-established B.C.’s human rights commission, which was dismantled in 2002, and appointed Kasari Govender as B.C.’s first independent human rights commissioner. Find out more and here.

• Expanded HIV Prevention: Expanded coverage for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to ensure people at risk in B.C. receive preventative treatment. Read more.

• Inclusive Identification: Ensured the spectrum of gender identity is included on B.C. government ID, with 'X' as a third option in the gender field. Learn more.

• Amended Laws: The first province in Canada to systemically amend provincial laws to remove outdated gendered and binary language, ensuring equal access to government services. Details here.

• Gender Designation Changes: Made it easier for people to change their gender designation on government-issued identification. Find out more.

• Affirming Lower Surgeries: Ensured publicly funded, affirming lower surgeries are available in B.C., making us the first province in Western Canada to offer these procedures. Read more.

• Inclusive Education: Ensured all 60 school districts and several First Nations and independent schools are part of the B.C. SOGI Educator Network to foster inclusivity for students. More info.

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Again, celebrating Pride is not a trivial action, is not an event for a special interest, but a gathering of people to recognize we all see each other in the work we all do. Some people's work is in their self-expression and education. Other people's work is through legislation. Join us! While it is not mandatory to RSVP online for the outdoor event, please do so to help the office anticipate numbers.

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RSVP Now!