CTV News: Toronto Public Library Workers Union lends voice to oppose transphobia in library

The Toronto Public Library Workers Union (TPLWU/CUPE Local 4948) has joined the growing chorus of opposition to an event by a prominent anti-trans speaker scheduled to hold an event at the Toronto Public Library, CTV News reports.

The union has published their letter to the Library's director on the union website. Their opposition to the event joins CUPE 4948 to authors, politicians, and the local LGBTQ community.

In their letter, CUPE 4948 make clear they view the event as a direct contradiction to the library's stated values as well as a show that trans and non-binary employees and patrons are not able to view the library as a safe and welcoming space. The letter reads, in part:

"her views do, in fact, target highly vulnerable and marginalized communities not only in our workplace, but among library users in Toronto and beyond.

"Recent TPL public consultations with equity-seeking groups on how to make the library more 'welcoming,' inclusive, and relevant ring hollow if the very people they seek to validate are ultimately alienated by the real decisions and actions that run counter to purported values of equity and respect.

"The work that staff have done to reach out to community members, and to build trust and partnerships, has now been compromised to some extent by this decision.  For many, the library might no longer represent a safe and inclusive space."