10th Montreal Trans March | “The global context is scary”

Nearly a thousand people gathered in front of Mont-Royal station on Saturday afternoon to demand the rights of trans and non-binary people and reaffirm their presence.

It was under a blazing sun that Mont-Royal Avenue was colored pink, blue and white, the colors of the transgender flag.

For the 10^e year in a row, and while the Montreal Pride festivities have been in full swing for a few days in the metropolis, people from the trans and non-binary communities, as well as people supporting them, marched to La Fontaine Park to celebrate the diversity of gender identity and expression.

Beyond the feeling of belonging, those present also had a message to convey concerning the international political context which is increasingly hostile to them and which threatens their rights.

“There has been a setback for the rights and freedoms of trans people for two years, with a right-wing movement that also comes from the United States,” explains Marie-Michelle Grenier. “We have to show ourselves so that people see that we are happy in our new identity and that trans people can live in society freely with all the rights and possibilities, like everyone else.”

For Rosie Bourgeoisie, there is a real rise in anti-trans hatred and it is more important than ever to get out on the streets and make yourself heard.

“The global context is scary for trans people and other marginalized people, but mobilizing, staying in community and coming out is our way of standing up for ourselves and having power together. [mot-valise utilisé pour favoriser l’inclusivité] together,” said Rosie Bourgeoisie.

In the past year, Montreal has been the scene of three anti-trans demonstrations that have been part of a broader context of hostility towards sexual and gender diversity on the international scene.

In the United States, more than 630 bills targeting these communities have been introduced since the beginning of 2024.

“There are a lot of anti-trans groups with people who have tried to make our community disappear, but we are here forever,” says Tania Romero. “For governments, we are second-class people.”

Convergence of struggles

This year, the Trans March took place on the same day as the International Day of Action for Gaza and Prisoners, and a contingent of people wearing keffiyehs and holding signs in support of Palestine led the march.

“The genocide that is happening in Palestine right now is something horrible, but often, as white people who are still safe and who do not experience such traumatic things, we have trouble seeing beyond ourselves,” explains Audrey Mc Nicoll, wearing the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh.

“You can’t be proud of your rights if there are other people whose rights are being violated,” adds the transfem activist. “For trans people, the rights of Palestinian people are important, because in the end, it’s the same struggle.”