A student walkout at St. Joseph’s High School out over complaints of male students in the female washrooms caught the attention of LGTBQ+ advocates as the two sides demonstrated on Friday afternoon.
Students could be found on either side of the demonstrations, flanked by other supporters and allies as both ends of the street began to fill up around noon.
Josh Alexander, the student who organized the walkout, says it was mischaracterized as anti-transgender. Rather, it was put on because they felt the school hadn’t taken concerns raised to both him and the school by a female student seriously.
Renfrew Pride founder Chris Kyte says their counter-protest was important because they believe the messaging around the walkout targeted trans youth and was harmful to an already vulnerable population.
In an email sent to parents earlier this week, St. Joseph’s High School notes that they respect their students right to protest, and also strongly condemn transphobia and all forms of hate.
They also added that they were not involved in the planning of either protest, and that students attending either one would have to arrange alternative transportation home to ensure everyone’s safety.
(written by Kasey Egan)
