As Quebec celebrates pride month, political candidates representing diverse sexual and gender identities are raising concerns about a surge in hateful messages directed at them. Québec solidaire reports facing an unprecedented level of online hate towards its 2SLGBTQ+ candidates.
The party’s president, Roxane Milot, a candidate in Montreal, emphasized the need for caution in political rhetoric due to the alarming rise in online violence targeting marginalized candidates. Milot, who is bisexual, highlighted how such attacks deter individuals from diverse backgrounds, including queer, women, and racialized individuals, from participating in politics.
Recent incidents include Vanessa Durand, a Québec solidaire candidate who withdrew her candidacy after making derogatory remarks online about Parti Québécois supporters from the 2SLGBTQ+ community, for which she later apologized. Philippe Schnobb, a Parti Québécois candidate in Montreal, revealed that he frequently receives homophobic hate messages, some escalating into threats.
Schnobb shared an example of a threatening comment on social media but expressed reluctance to pursue legal action at this time. Despite facing such adversity, he urged for restraint and civility in discourse leading up to the election.
Charles Milliard, leader of the Liberal Party and a gay individual, has also faced homophobic remarks, emphasizing the importance of addressing such discrimination. The issue of homophobic and transphobic comments extends beyond individual candidates, affecting all major political parties in Quebec.
Efforts to combat online violence have been implemented, with Québec solidaire and the Liberal Party offering support services and training sessions for candidates facing hostility. The Coalition Avenir Québec and Quebec Conservative Party have acknowledged instances of hateful comments directed at their candidates, with a commitment to address such attacks.
In response to the escalating online hate, political parties are adapting and providing resources to ensure the well-being and safety of their candidates. This includes setting up support networks and training programs to equip candidates with the skills to navigate challenging situations.