Anti-LGBTQ+ Protests Aimed Towards Schools in Kitchener.

By: Isabelle Peoples and Willow Sweitzer

Late September of this year, Kitchener and surrounding areas saw a very large protest aimed against LGBTQ+ inclusivity within the WRDSB school board. These protests were spread throughout schools in the region, and in front of the Kitchener town hall. In response, counter-protests rapidly took effect, standing in solidarity with LGBTQ+ students and children. 

When asked to provide their own comments on the situation, WRDSB Communications officer Estefanía Brandenstein simply replied with their media statement: “We deeply respect and uphold the right of individuals to advocate for causes that are important to them and to engage in peaceful demonstrations. Our commitment extends to creating learning environments that affirm the lived experiences and identities of students and families, especially those who are most marginalized.” 

We also interviewed fellow students within the school affected by these protests, one of which was Mark Chinchilla, who had told us he’d been “Told to be careful [about the protests] because they could be dangerous.” And, he expressed an extreme displeasure when asked about the pride flag burning at ECI.

Ms. Andonoff, a teacher at KCI, and head of the GSA club was also asked about her thoughts on the matter: “Protests can greatly exaggerate opposing opinions instead of bringing people together.” She also voiced opinions that the excess talk of politics surrounding LGBTQ+ conversation could be driving students away from joining the GSA club. “Less students have joined the GSA this year.” In response to the lower average of members, Ms. Andonoff brought up a new club this year, the Crafty Queer Club. “This year KCI’s GSA is introducing the Crafty Queer Club, where we are focusing on creativity instead of politics, to bring back something enjoyable instead of heavy politics''

These protests show a radical shift in the way LGBTQ+ people have been viewed in the past, with oppression and disagreement becoming increasingly vocal and demanding. Many people we had talked to seemed to share the general opinion that actions such as these protests can be quite scary to those affected by them, and can cause students who identify within the LGBTQ+ community to feel more isolated or less accepted, something the school board has been very clear on not wanting to happen.