The Enchanté Network raises grave concerns over the rise of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ discourse

By Daniel Itai

The Enchanté Network, a 2SLGBTQIA+ lobby group, has raised grave concerns over the rise of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ sentiments in the country.

This follows a recent report by Statistics Canada on a 2021 comprehensive portrait of police-reported crime in Canada.

"The rise of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ discourse in the country is not surprising, but very concerning. Statistics data on police reported crime in 2021 shows a 60 percent increase in crimes based on sexual orientation. Among our members we have witnessed the consequences of these crimes on a personal and organizational level.

Our collective work is dedicated to creating a world that is fair and where hate is not tolerated. It is only when our communities have access to the resources, services and support they need to thrive that we are able to come together to address this hate.

Through our advocacy and community development work, through the services and resources offered by organizations across the country, and through actions such as creating a Federal action plan that aligns with our vision for fairness, we remain hopeful. 2SLGBTQIA+ people exist and always will. We will continue to take space and that, pride. Our presence will leave no room for hatred in Canada," said The Enchanté Network.

According to the report, sexual assaults are divided into three categories provided for in the Criminal Code depending on the nature and seriousness of the incident.

Level 1, which corresponds to an assault of a sexual nature affecting the sexual integrity of the victim, level 2, sexual assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm that involves the use of a weapon, causing bodily harm or threatening to inflict bodily harm on a person and level 3, aggravated sexual assault that injures, maims, disfigures or endangers the victim's life.

"Overall, police reported 34 242 sexual assaults (levels 1, 2 and 3) in 2021, which translates to a rate of 90 incidents per 100 000 population. This is the highest rate recorded since 1996. Before declining in the first year of the pandemic, in 2020, the rate of sexual assault had risen steadily for five years. In 2021, all provinces reported an increase, while all territories recorded a decrease. Similarly, of the 35 Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs), 29 posted increases.

Despite much public discussion surrounding sexual violence in recent years, the number of sexual assaults reported by police is likely a marked underestimate of the true extent of sexual assault in Canada, since these types of offences are not reported to the police," read part of the report.

Enchante is currently undertaking a Mapping Survey to help them Improve Queer Data with a focus on Queer organizations across Canada.

Collaborating with the University of Saskatchewan they have launched the first national survey of Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ organizations.

This survey will gather data on the needs, capacities, structures, realities, and most importantly, opportunities of 2SLGBTQI+ organizations from coast to coast to coast.