Canadian institutions and politicians pay a lot of lip service to "inclusivity," but what does that really mean? For years, women have expressed concerns about the impact of gender identity legislation and policy on same-sex spaces like prisons, shelters, and change rooms. Now, kids are being taught about trans identity in school (before they really understand what that means); girls and women are losing important opportunities and scholarships in sport, as they are forced to compete alongside or against males; and parents are being excluded from important conversations and decisions that have lifelong impacts on their kids. Who is really being "included" within modern diversity, equity, and inclusion policies? Who is being excluded? Who is being hurt? 

Canadians are ready to have this conversation, to express their concerns, and be heard, but are being silenced. Vancouver Island Speaks is opening up the conversation.

The event will be ticketed, featuring a panel discussion followed by a Q&A. We will be hosting a private meet and greet/cocktail hour after the panel event, from 9:00-10:30PM, so guests who purchase tickets can meet the panelists, chat, have a drink, socialize, and relax.

Time: Doors at 6:00PM, event runs from 6:30-8:30 PM.

Location: Ambrosia Banquet and Events, 638 Fisgard Street, Victoria B.C.

Tickets for the panel event only are $30

Tickets for the panel event plus the meet and greet/cocktail hour (cash bar, light snacks) which takes place after the event, at 9PM, are $75.

We are closing online sales at noon on Thursday but will be accepting credit, debit, or cash at the door until 6:30PM. (If you wish to pay by cash we appreciate exact change!)

Please arrive by 6:00PM to ensure we can start on time at 6:30!

Panelists include: 

April Hutchinson is a Canadian powerlifter who overcame child sexual trauma and alcoholism to become a North American deadlift record holder who is fighting to save her sport from men. After speaking out against a man competing as a woman (and claiming the gold medal at the Canadian Powerlifting Union's women's regional championship last year), April was suspended by her federation for two years.

Bryony Dixon is a British born single mother, cancelled from her role as Artistic Managing Producer of the Nanaimo Fringe Festival for her views on gender. She remains committed to championing free expression – particularly addressing taboo subjects having a fundamental impact on our social fabric – in her new role with US think tank, Environmental Progress.

Kellie-Lynn Pirie, formerly Kenneth Anderson, is a detransitioner and the founder of Detrans Alliance Canada.

Meghan Murphy is a Canadian writer and podcaster. She founded Feminist Current in 2012 and is the host of The Same Drugs. Meghan testified against Bill C-16, Canada's gender identity legislation, in 2017, and was among the first to speak out against gender identity ideology in Canada. She is a fierce advocate for women, free speech, and the constitutional rights of Canadians.