June 14, 2021
For Immediate Release
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On June 9 an innocent man was beaten nearly to death in a homophobic hate crime. Today, Rainbow Faith and Freedom (RFF) is calling on all Canadians to help combat homophobic discrimination through a new campaign focused on protecting and supporting the LGBTQ2S+ community.
The organization is raising money through a crowdfunding campaign to contribute to its global movement to end religious-based LGBTQ2S+ discrimination, homophobia and transphobia and improve the human and equality rights of LGBTQ2S+ people everywhere. RFF focuses on the moments at which religious-based discrimination and homophobic discrimination intersect and have established a Canadian program devoted to addressing this intersection.
“I am sickened by the blatant homophobic event that transpired earlier this month in Toronto,” said Rev. Brent Hawkes, “as Canadians, we must stand up against these disgusting acts of homophobia that are fundamentally against our values.”
With June marking Pride Month around the world, RFF is calling on Canadians to support the organization’s crowd funding campaign, either through a financial contribution or by sharing the link on social media.
The End Religious-Based LGBTQ2S+ Hate crowdfunding campaign is seeking to raise $40,000 that will be used to confront the most vocal and influential source of discrimination against LGBTQ2S+ people – religious leaders and communities who weaponize their beliefs to justify exclusion. The campaign can be accessed at https://www.gofundme.com/f/end-religiousbased-lgbtq2s-hate
About Rainbow Faith and Freedom
Rainbow Faith and Freedom is a not-for-profit organization providing social programming focused on education Canadian institutions including schools, workplaces and community association to be more inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ2S+ people of faith will have a direct benefit for all vulnerable populations.
Interview/Quote Availability:
Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, Founder, RFF
Sonja Moroz, Fundraising Coordinator, RFF-smoroz@rainbowfaithandfreedom.org
For RFF information:
Dave Fraser, Communications Team Lead, RFF- dfraser@rainbowfaithandfreedom.org