We believe everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported for who you are — no matter who you love or how you identify.

And while those are good words to say, we know we have to back up those statements with action. It’s a challenge we don’t take lightly.

Since 2017, our BC NDP government has worked hard to make life better for 2SLGTBQ+ people here in British Columbia.

We made PrEP free and expanded access to gender-affirming surgeries in more communities like Kamloops and Prince George. We added a non-binary “X” option to provincial ID, removed outdated gendered language from hundreds of laws, expanded SOGI 123 to every school district and re-established BC’s Human Rights Commissioner to help protect people from discrimination.

That support has never been more important.

Right wing parties around the world, including the BC Conservatives, have made it clear where they stand when it comes to queer and trans rights.

They oppose rights for trans people; particularly trans kids. They don’t believe in marriage equality.

The BC Conservatives have run candidates who spread harmful conspiracy theories about 2SLGBTQ+ people, fearmonger about diversity in schools, and use insulting, transphobic language. Instead of standing up for safety and inclusion, they’re giving a platform to hate and fear.

We have a responsibility as New Democrats and as British Columbians to make sure queer and trans people feel safe here, not just during Pride, but all year long.

There’s so much more to do, so while others try to take us backward, we’re going to keep moving forward — with love, inclusion, and real action.

Look for our BC NDP MLAs and volunteers at Pride events around BC this summer. We're ready to celebrate with you. Happy Pride, British Columbia!