Bulletin
Visible allyship is declining: Here’s how you can show up
July 3, 2026
Tp: All MoveUP Members
Allyship matters. Being an ally is a way for those who have influence or certain privileges to be able to support, advocate, and show solidarity with those from marginalized communities.
As an ally, our aim is not to take space from those within marginalized communities, but to show we have their backs.
Allyship is declining
Egale Canada is Canada’s leading organization for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and issues. They recently reviewed Statistics Canada’s survey data which shows support related to gender expression and transgender identity has fallen severely since 2018. This is even though most people in Canada continue to support gender expression, transgender family members, and equal adoption rights for same-sex couples.
This decline in visible allyship is becoming more apparent. Across Canada, organizations have scaled back Pride events, sponsorships, and public support in response to growing anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric and political pressure.
When allies become silent in the face of discrimination, it sends the harmful message that the rights, safety, and inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ people are negotiable.
Allyship in Pride
The labour movement has never achieved progress by remaining silent. Every advance in workers’ rights and human rights has come because we stood together, challenged injustices, and demanded better. That commitment must continue.
Defending the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ workers and communities is part of defending the rights of every worker.
True allyship is not about symbolic gestures. True allyship does not mean speaking over the voices of those within the community, but it means speaking out against discrimination and hate, challenging misinformation, respecting people’s identities and pronouns, supporting inclusive workplaces, and helping create environments where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.
Allyship is not just about showing up during Pride season. It is about always being there, respecting the community while standing in solidarity with it.
How our Human Rights & Cultural Diversity Committee demonstrates allyship
We believe that diversity is one of MoveUP’s greatest strengths.
Our union is strongest when all of us – no matter our sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, cultural, faith, ability, or background – know that we belong and can participate fully without fear of discrimination or exclusion.
This Pride Season, here are some ways to demonstrate allyship:
- Speak up when you witness discrimination, harassment, or hate.
- Attend a Pride festival, parade or event.
- Donate to your local Pride Society.
- Learn about the barriers faced by equity-deserving communities and challenge misinformation with facts and compassion.
- Continue to foster respectful, inclusive workplaces where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work.
- Participate in MoveUP’s equity, diversity, inclusion, and human rights initiatives, and help build a stronger, more inclusive union.
Our Human Rights & Cultural Diversity Committee remains committed to advancing equity and human rights for all. Together, we are ensuring our workplaces – and our union – reflect the values of dignity, respect, inclusion, and solidarity that define the labour movement.
Pride may have a season, but allyship is a year-round commitment. Let’s continue to stand together, speak out against hate, and build a union where everyone belongs.
In solidarity,
Christy Slusarenko & Brenda Chu
Co-chairs, Human Rights & Cultural Diversity Committee