This petition seeks to remove a new billboard in West Kelowna that isn’t only inaccurate but unfairly singles out and stokes fears around the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This is particularly critical now, as hate crimes against 2SLGBTQIA+ people are on the rise.

The billboard depicts a caricature of an apparent teacher standing in front of a Progress Pride flag, with text that reads: What are your kids REALLY learning in school? 

It then points to a website referencing non-evidence-based ideas and opinions around a ‘hidden curriculum’ in schools and the ‘indoctrination’ of children.

Aside from the fact that prejudicing a category of people is the definition of discrimination, the billboard provokes hate and distrust, creating a safety issue for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Most recent figures from Stats Canada show that hate crimes against 2SLGBTQIA+ increased by 64% from the year before. Fear breeds hate. Hate breeds hate crimes.

The website the billboard points at references SOGI, which was adopted in public and private schools across BC and Canada to foster inclusivity.

In one of the videos on the website as of Feb. 12, anti-2SLGBTQIA+ activist Kari Simpson calls SOGI a “hedonistic cult,” stating it alters “our culture from a heteronormative society to one where anything goes.”

In reality, our culture is indeed not a cisnormative, heteronormative culture, but rather full of variety and diversity. And this is what SOGI aims to do: reflect the diverse reality of the culture we exist within.

Developed with the help of both teachers and parents, SOGI (which is not a curriculum but a model for inclusivity) was also endorsed by the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils. 

The FAQ section on the BC Billboards website states: “Any graphic whatsoever may be used as long as it is not offensive.” 

Signing this petition agrees that calling out a community in a way that stokes fear is indeed offensive, discriminatory and is not acceptable in our society.