The Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights Continues in Canada with Drag Queen Crystal Quartz
Table of Contents
Crystal Quartz Faces Threats
Rising Extremism in Canada
Creating Positive Change
Crystal Quartz Faces Threats
Crystal Quartz is a Canadian drag performer who has been speaking out about the discrimination and threats faced by the LGBTQ+ community. She shared her story on the talk show Amber Live.
Quartz has been targeted with protests and violent threats simply for being a drag queen. Extremist groups like the Proud Boys and religious organizations have focused their hate towards events celebrating LGBTQ+ identities in Canada.
Quartz bravely continues performing despite these threats. She hopes speaking up can raise awareness about the challenges still faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Rising Extremism in Canada
Quartz's experience represents a worrying rise in extremism across Canada. Drag events, pride parades, and story hours have been met with increasing protests.
In 2021, hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people rose by 36% according to Statistics Canada. Much of this violence is fueled by intolerant rhetoric from groups like the Proud Boys. Their goal is to intimidate and silence marginalized communities.
Canada has made much progress in LGBTQ+ rights, but the fight for equality continues. No one should face harassment or violence simply for embracing their identity.
Creating Positive Change
The LGBTQ+ community and its allies cannot give in to those trying to divide us. By speaking up when we see injustice, and continuing to celebrate diversity, we take away the power of hate.
The path forward is showing compassion and resisting violence, while creating spaces where everyone is accepted. Performers like Quartz give us hope through their courage and self-expression.
Together, we can build a Canada of mutual understanding, where everyone can feel safe and respected. There are always more who believe in human rights than those who spread intolerance. Each act of courage brings us closer to a just world.
—This article was written, restructured, or adapted by Russell with information gathered from sources around the internet. Russell is the producer of Amber Live and is greatly overworked to pull it all together. If it’s on the internet, it must be true. (We’re kidding.) BUT, if you find any errors or omissions in the article, please let us know so that we may correct the issue. Thanks for your support!
