Surrey Dyke March rallies against rising anti-queer sentiment

The fourth Surrey Dyke March at Holland Park united 2SLGBTQ+ voices against anti-queer rhetoric and policies, calling for solidarity and resistance.

Surrey Dyke March rallies against rising anti-queer sentiment

Community gathers in Holland Park

On Saturday, August 23, the fourth annual Surrey Dyke March brought together about 50 participants at Holland Park. The event combined a rally with speeches and a march, amplifying calls for solidarity within the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Organizers highlight political climate

Event organizer Tiffany Tsai emphasized that the march was not only a celebration of identity but also a protest. “The anti-trans and anti-queer rhetoric is on the rise, and we wanted to bring back the spirit of Pride as a riot, as a protest,” Tsai said, referencing growing hostility in both Canada and the United States.

Pushback against anti-SOGI protests

In Surrey, demonstrations have intensified around efforts to remove Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) learning resources from schools. SOGI, developed by the Ministry of Education and Child Care, is designed to build inclusive classrooms and address discrimination, diversity, and respect. Tsai said the march aimed to counter these efforts by affirming the presence and resilience of queer and trans people.

A call for solidarity

Speakers underscored that the Dyke March is both political and intersectional. “All oppression is interconnected,” Tsai said, linking the fight for 2SLGBTQ+ rights to broader struggles faced by marginalized groups, including Surrey’s Palestinian community.

Voices of resistance

Participants stressed that the march was not just about visibility but also resistance. “We’re not going to go anywhere, and we’re going to continue to resist against systems that are designed to eradicate the queer and trans community,” Tsai declared. The event closed with chants and banners, reinforcing the collective demand for equality and justice.

Looking ahead

While attendance was modest, organizers said the march’s message carried weight. By reclaiming space in Surrey’s public sphere, the Dyke March reaffirmed its role as a platform for activism and solidarity at a time of heightened political tension across Canada.