A crowd is expected to gather at Saskatoon’s Vimy Memorial later this week (May 17) to raise awareness for the rights of the LGBTQ community.

Blake Tait with Saskatoon Pride says trans people, like himself, face judgement and barriers every day. It comes not only from the public, but from provincial and federal leaders as well.

Anti-trans legislation included in the Sask. Party’s platform, hateful stickers popping up around Saskatoon, and the federal Conservative Party’s stance on hormone replacement therapy for youth are examples Tait lists of the hate recently insighted against LGBTQ people.

“Saskatchewan was a leader in that push towards anti-trans legislation, and that’s something that hurts to see as someone who was born and raised in Saskatchewan and a trans person living in Saskatchewan.”

In an effort to stick together and combat the hate, Tait says communities across Canada are taking part in a National Rainbow Week of Action.

“The trans community wants to be treated as people rather than as third-class citizens. Having your existence being something that is a topic of debate in any space that you enter is difficult.”

Tait says he’d like to see political leaders and community members denounce the anti-trans legislation included in the Sask. Party’s platform, and he hopes this weeks’ events raise awareness about the matter.

Saskatoon’s action includes a rally at Vimy Memorial on Friday at 5:30pm, and a Queer Healing Variety Night at Grosvenor Park United Church on May 18th.