UFCW 1006A was proud to participate in Toronto Pride, and march for equality, fairness and human rights.
From June 23 to 25, the local union took part in the Trans March, the Dyke March and the Pride Parade. UFCW 1006A also had a streetfair booth, where members and the public could drop by.
“It’s important for our union to participate in pride events to show our members, who belong to the 2SLGBTQi+ community, that they are not alone, that their union is here for them,” said Taylor MacLeod, a member of 1006OUTreach. “There is often a lack of support within workplaces and people can feel singled out no matter how they identify, and it is huge for members to know their union is pro-2SLGBTQi+ and is a resource to support them no matter what.”
Joey LeBlanc, a member of 1006OUTreach, was among those who marched with the union.
He regularly wears his OUTreach pin on his hat and his pronoun pin at work to show his support. The 1006OUTreach committee is working to raise awareness, build solidarity and end the hate against members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
“We are standing in solidarity with our members in the Trans community,” LeBlanc said. “Everyone deserves to be respected and treated fairly, regardless of how they identify. It is to convey support and the idea that pronouns are a normal thing – he/him, she/her, they/them, whatever pronouns you choose to identify as, you should be allowed to and everyone should be respectful of that.”
“UFCW 1006A is proud to stand in solidarity with our friends and family in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, today and always," said President Wayne Hanley. "Across North America, many 2SLGBTQI+ members and their families are facing intolerance and hate in our schools, workplaces and communities. We must stop this hate from spreading. To our members in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, I want you to know that you are not alone. Your union is with you, working to build a more equal and just world for all workers.”
