Prince Rupert city council said transphobic comments made following the shooting in Tumbler Ridge are unacceptable.
RCMP confirmed the Tumbler Ridge shooter was in the process of transitioning to female, which has led some social media users to spread hateful and transphobic content. Some users are spreading false information that the shooter identifying as transgender was the reason for his actions, as well as using that to promote anti-trans ideology.
Prince Rupert Councillor Nick Adey said people need to be responsible on social media.
“I gather that there’s been some really ugly dialogue that’s taken place. I think we’re in an information age where we have to be guarded and responsible in terms of how we express our ideas, particularly in a social media environment. And I think this is an excellent opportunity to reflect on that as well.”
Councillor Teri Forester said this kind of dialogue only causes more damage.
“There’s a lot of supports available for people in our community for mental health as well as for people from all walks of life that are experiencing harm and being triggered by what happened, especially those in our 2SLGBTQ community. Some of the dialogue that has targeted some of those communities has caused further harm and stuff like this is never good for anyone. This is where it’s important that we focus on the kindness of our community.”
Mayor Herb Pond said council wants to make the community as inclusive and supportive as possible.
“This council and this mayor are committed to creating a safe place for you. We reject the hate that’s being spread through the internet. People can have different discussions about the movement in our society and that’s legitimate. But the hate and the vitriol, the blaming, the rushing to judgment and the lying that’s taking place in our culture is saddening to me. You don’t have to vote for me as a mayor. That’s all fine. I am committed to creating a safe place for every single citizen in our community.”
