Anti-trans group, 1 Million March 4 Children, planned massive protests against the rights of trans students. They were largely drowned out by huge crowds of supporters for trans rights and unions.
On Wednesday, huge crowds gathered after anti-trans organizers called for a “million man march” against transgender rights. Yet, it wasn't the opponents of trans rights who predominantly showed up. Instead, crowds of supporters for transgender rights and teachers unions backing them flooded streets in cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa. Pride flags were raised in front of city buildings, and even Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, lent his voice in support. What was envisioned as a day to spotlight the “widespread opposition” to LGBTQ+ youth instead blossomed into a remarkable display of backing and unity for trans individuals across Canada.
The group named "1 Million March 4 Children" began promoting the march on August 20th. Just a day after, they revealed their alliance with the anti-trans group Gays Against Groomers, a group which has previously organized anti-LGBTQ+ rallies, drawing supporters from groups like Moms For Liberty and the Proud Boys in the U.S. A probe by Press Progress has also exposed connections between 1 Million March 4 Children to far-right groups previously known for their involvement in other anti-LGBTQ+ protests and the Freedom Convoys.
The group lists as its stated purpose: “advocating for the elimination of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) curriculum, pronouns, gender ideology and mixed bathrooms in schools.”
The group had planned marches in over 100 cities, according to organizers. On the lead up, they advertised support from other right-wing organizations, such as Canada’s pro-life Campaign Life Coalition and Veterans For Freedom, a group associated with Freedom Convoy protesters.
On the day of the march, things quickly turned south for the protesters in Canada’s biggest cities: