As pride month festivities unfold in Quebec, political contenders hailing from diverse sexual and gender backgrounds participating in the upcoming provincial election are raising concerns about a surge in hateful messages directed at them. Québec solidaire has reported facing an unprecedented and concerning wave of online hate targeting its 2SLGBTQ+ candidates.
Roxane Milot, the party’s president and a candidate in Montreal, expressed worries about the situation, emphasizing the need for caution in rhetoric by all candidates and party leaders. Milot, who identifies as bisexual, highlighted how online violence directed at marginalized candidates deters individuals from diverse backgrounds from engaging in politics.
Recent incidents include Milot being subjected to hateful messages and trolls on social media. Additionally, one of Québec solidaire’s candidates, Vanessa Durand, withdrew from the race after making derogatory remarks toward Parti Québécois supporters from 2SLGBTQ+ communities. While Durand apologized and ended her candidacy, she did not respond to requests for comment.
Philippe Schnobb, a Parti Québécois candidate, disclosed receiving homophobic hate messages and even threats since his entry into politics earlier this year. Schnobb, who also identifies as part of the sexual and gender diverse community, highlighted the negative impact of such remarks, mentioning a specific threatening comment on his social media post.
Despite facing intolerable remarks and threats, Schnobb refrains from pursuing legal action at the moment. He emphasized the need to address personal and sensitive issues with care, particularly in the lead-up to the election.
Charles Milliard, the Liberal Leader who is openly gay, has faced questions about electing a gay premier in Quebec. While emphasizing the right of every Quebecer to vote, Milliard has denounced homophobic comments directed at him, highlighting the importance of transparency in politics.
Homophobic and transphobic comments are a pervasive issue across all major political parties, according to Philip Laflamme, senior adviser for content and communications at the Liberal party. Even candidates not directly affiliated with the sexual and gender diversity community may encounter such insults.
Christine Fréchette, leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec, expressed dismay over the attacks on candidates and affirmed the party’s monitoring of social media accounts for such behavior. Similarly, Éric Duhaime, leader of the Quebec Conservative Party and openly gay, acknowledged receiving hateful online comments but opted not to amplify them.
Political parties have implemented support measures to address the escalating online violence against candidates. Quebec solidaire and the Liberals have established support groups and remote assistance services, while the Liberals offer training sessions to equip candidates in handling violent situations effectively.