During the ongoing pride month celebrations in Quebec, political candidates hailing from sexual and gender-diverse backgrounds are raising concerns about the surge of hateful messages directed at them as they gear up for the fall provincial election.
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 president and a candidate in a Montreal riding, emphasized the need for caution in rhetoric among all candidates and party leaders in light of the disturbing trend. Milot, who identifies as bisexual, highlighted the detrimental impact of online violence on marginalized candidates, deterring individuals from diverse backgrounds from participating in politics.
Milot shared her personal experience of facing hateful messages and online harassment. The party also faced controversy when one of its candidates, Vanessa Durand, withdrew following derogatory comments made online towards Parti Québécois supporters from the 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Durand later issued an apology and retracted her candidacy.
Philippe Schnobb, a Parti Québécois candidate and a member of the sexual and gender diverse community, disclosed that he regularly receives homophobic hate messages, including threats. Despite encountering such intolerable remarks, Schnobb expressed his reluctance to pursue legal action at this time, urging for a more restrained discourse as the election approaches.
Liberal Leader Charles Milliard, who is openly gay, addressed the issue of homophobic remarks and affirmed his commitment to transparency about his identity. The Liberal party acknowledged that homophobic and transphobic comments are challenges faced by candidates across the political spectrum.
Christine Fréchette’s communications director from the Coalition Avenir Québec highlighted the party’s condemnation of such attacks on candidates’ social media accounts. Meanwhile, the team of Quebec Conservative Party Leader Éric Duhaime, also openly gay, acknowledged receiving hateful comments online but opted not to amplify them.
Political parties have adapted to combat the escalating online violence against candidates in recent years. Within Québec solidaire and the Liberal party, support systems and training sessions have been implemented to assist candidates in navigating hostile situations effectively.