On June 28th, 2023 a 24 year old former student at the University of Waterloo assaulted and injured a professor and 2 students in a gender studies class. Police believe this was a hate-crime related to gender-expression and gender-identity. We are horrified and outraged by this incident. The Women’s Health Research Cluster condemns any behaviour that compromises the safety of people across the world. We stand against gender-based violence and discrimination, and are committed to creating an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment for gender-diverse people.
Everybody deserves to feel safe when learning about gender studies, teaching this subject, or expressing their gender identities. In light of this traumatic event, we encourage those who are able to consider how they might support those who were affected by this hate crime.
This includes individuals who were attacked, people who witnessed the attack, and the broader University of Waterloo community. It also includes professors and students involved in gender studies and the 2S/LGBTQ+ community who is often targeted by hate crimes such as this one.
Our hearts go out to the people who were directly and indirectly affected by this incident. These incidents have lasting effects on individuals' well-being and quality of life. We must not let hatred and bigotry rise. We must strive to understand, accept and love one another.
Get Help
Support and resources available at the University of Waterloo
Mental Health Services for Gender Diverse and Sexual-Minority Youth
Centre for Addictions and Mental Health: Crisis Resources
Mental Health Support: Get Help
Talk Suicide Canada - 1-833-456-4566 or by text 45645
Trans Lifeline (USA) - 877-330-6366
Learn
The Canadian Centre for Gender + Sexual Diversity: Resources
Canadian Women’s Health Foundation: Learning to Love Gender Diversity
Federal Gender Equality Laws in Canada
Women and Gender Equality Canada
The Struggle of Trans and Gender-diverse Persons
Support Others
Creating a Trans Inclusive Workplace
A Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Young People
Supporting the Transgender People in Your Life: A Guide to Being a Good Ally
Human Rights Campaign Foundation: Being an LGBTQ+ Ally