This Pride Month, we celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities across Canada, and the progress made toward equal rights and creating a society of acceptance and non-discrimination for LGBTQIA+ individuals. However, anti-LGBTQIA+ hate is on the rise in Canada. This year, thousands of people have taken action on Change.org.

Here are 4 impactful ways you can take action this pride month:

1) Join the call for inclusive sex education in Canadian schools

A collective of queer youth in Canada is campaigning for comprehensive sex education that’s inclusive of LGBTQIA+ identity and gender expression.

“Sex education is spotty across Canada and varies widely from province to province. This results in an outdated, inconsistent, insufficiently regulated, and under-resourced sex education that negatively impacts our youth. Without an LGBTQ+ inclusive and comprehensive sex education, our children and adolescents face an increased risk of experiencing negative physical and mental health outcomes.”

2) Take a stand against anti-trans legislation

People from across Canada are mobilizing against anti-trans legislation. In Alberta, Catie launched a petition against Premier Danielle Smith’s planned policy changes that will limit access to gender-affirming care and require parental permission for pronoun changes and preferred names in school.

“This is not just about my child; it’s about every transgender child in Alberta, Canada. Our children deserve the right to their own gender identity and expression, as well as rights over their own bodies,” says Catie.

3) Demand increased resources for LGBTQIA+ people experiencing homelessness

LGBTQIA+ people experience higher rates of homelessness and housing insecurity. Petition starter Serena is urging the Canadian government to allocate increased funding to initiatives specifically targeting LGBTQIA+ homelessness, including shelters, housing programs, mental health support, and employment services. Serena is also calling for investment in research and data collection efforts to better understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals experiencing homelessness and to inform evidence-based interventions and policies.

“Together, we can work towards a future where every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, has access to safe and supportive housing,” says Serena.

4) Start your own petition!

Is there an issue you’d like to take action on that isn’t featured in this list? You can launch your own petition to mobilize your community, hold decision-makers accountable and create a more equitable and inclusive community for LGBTQIA+ people.

That’s exactly what Tamara did upon learning of a proposed ban on LGBTQIA+ books at school libraries in Manitoba. Tamara started a petition opposing the book ban and quickly gained the support of over 17,000 people. The book ban was rejected as a direct result of this community activism!