LGBTQ+ political candidates in Quebec report a wave of online hate
MONTRÉAL — As pride month celebrations take place across Quebec, political candidates from sexual and gender-diverse backgrounds who are running in the fall provincial election are sounding the alarm over a flood of hateful messages targeting them.
As Pride Month celebrations take place in Quebec, political candidates from LGBTQ+ backgrounds facing the fall provincial election are warning of a surge in online hate targeted at them. Québec solidaire is reporting an "exceptional" and "alarming" level of online hate against its LGBTQ+ candidates. Party president Roxane Milot, who is bisexual, expressed concern that online violence prevents diverse candidates from running for office.
She noted that her party has been targeted by hateful messages and trolls on social media, with one candidate withdrawing after making homophobic remarks. Another candidate, Philippe Schnobb, who identifies as part of the sexual and gender diverse community, receives homophobic hate messages and threats, some of which have escalated to direct threats.
Liberal Leader Charles Milliard, who is gay, denounced homophobic comments directed at him and emphasized that Quebecers have the right to vote for a gay premier. All major parties report receiving homophobic and transphobic comments, with some adapting measures to handle online violence against candidates.
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