Intense protests and counter-protests for and against the trans and LGBTQ community are happening across our country.

A group called “1MillionMarch4Children” is behind the original mobilization. It was organized in response to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity programs being taught in B.C.’s public schools.

Pride groups say the counter-protests help show a majority of people are generally supportive, while countering the hateful messaging they are dealing with from protesters. They are encouraging social media users to share their “No Space for Hate” image on their profiles in support.

“These protests are part of an orchestrated effort by largely extremist actors to stigmatise and attack trans and wider 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and inclusive education initiatives as allegedly ‘sexualising’ or otherwise harmful towards children. As we have said these kinds of claims are false, highly offensive, and harmful.” Kelowna Pride

Many on social media began sharing images in support of LGBTQ+ community as protests ramped up across Canada.

A main protest was held in Ottawa on Parliament Hill.

Others took place in cities across the the country including Toronto, Winnipeg, Halifax and St. John’s and communities in between.

Several municipal governments have been sending out statements about the demonstrations saying they support the right to protest, but are fully behind the LGBTQ+ communities.