Amid pride month festivities in Quebec, political contenders from diverse sexual and gender backgrounds running in the upcoming provincial election are raising concerns about a surge in hateful messages directed at them. Québec solidaire has reported a significant increase in online hate targeting its 2SLGBTQ+ candidates, describing the situation as exceptional and alarming.
Roxane Milot, the party’s president and a candidate in Montreal, expressed worries about the escalating online violence faced by marginalized candidates, emphasizing the impact it has on discouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage in politics. Milot, who identifies as bisexual, highlighted the reluctance of many queer, women, and racialized individuals to run for office due to the worsening situation in Quebec.
One incident involving Vanessa Durand, a former Québec solidaire candidate who made derogatory comments online towards supporters of Parti Québécois from the 2SLGBTQ+ communities, gained attention before she withdrew her candidacy and issued an apology. Another candidate, Philippe Schnobb from Parti Québécois, disclosed receiving homophobic hate messages and threats since joining politics, expressing concern over the disturbing nature of such comments.
Schnobb shared an instance where a social media comment targeted him with homophobic language and a veiled threat, but he refrained from pursuing legal action at the moment. Despite facing such challenges, he urged for a more respectful discourse in the lead-up to the election. Liberal Leader Charles Milliard, who is openly gay, has also been subjected to homophobic remarks, emphasizing the need for tolerance and respect in politics.
Political parties across the board acknowledged the prevalence of homophobic and transphobic comments, with efforts being made to support candidates facing online violence. Québec solidaire and the Liberals have established support structures to assist candidates, offering training sessions to equip them in handling aggressive situations. The Coalition Avenir Québec and the Quebec Conservative Party have also acknowledged instances of hateful comments directed at their candidates, with measures in place to address such behavior.