Saskatoon is part of the National Rainbow Week of Action

A crowd is expected to gather at the Vimy Memorial in Saskatoon later this week (May 17) to draw attention to the rights of the LGBTQ community.

Blake Tait of Saskatoon Pride says transgender people like him face judgment and obstacles every day. It comes not only from the public, but also from provincial and federal leaders.

Anti-trans legislation included in Sask. The party's platform, hateful stickers popping up across Saskatoon and the federal Conservative party's stance on hormone replacement therapy for youth are examples of the hatred recently identified against LGBTQ people.

“Saskatchewan has been a leader in this push for anti-trans legislation and it hurts to see someone who was born and raised in Saskatchewan being a trans person living in Saskatchewan.”

To stand together and combat hate, Tait says communities across Canada are taking part in a national Rainbow Week of Action.

“The trans community wants to be treated as human beings and not as third-class citizens. It’s difficult for your existence to be the subject of debate in every room you enter.”

Tait says he would like to see political leaders and community members denounce the anti-trans legislation contained in Sask. It is the party's platform and hopes this week's events will raise awareness of the issue.

The Saskatoon effort includes a rally at Vimy Memorial on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and a Queer Healing Variety Night at Grosvenor Park United Church on May 18.