⚠️Shocking incident of #GenderDiscrimination is occurring within the Chinese diaspora, requiring urgent attention of all who care about Chinese human rights⚠️

On June 4, 2024, during a commemoration event for #June4th Tiananmen Square Massacre at the University of Toronto, a transgender human rights activist, Shu Lin @sauricat, was assaulted during her speech, by an elder activist Ms. Gu Shuhua, member of Federation for a Democratic China @FDCcanada8964. According to Gu stormed the stage, harassing and insulting Shu Lin and her companions, claiming that they should not have mentioned transgender issues at June 4th commemoration event.

This is a clear act of discrimination against a minority human rights activist, as well as a disruption of the gathering.

In a tweet, Shu Lin @sauricat mentioned: "Beyond the unpleasant insults, one question left a lasting impression on me. Someone asked: 'Why are you bringing up transgender stuff at a Tiananmen memorial event?'" It is hard to imagine the fear and unease the speaker endured at that moment of interruption. As a member of gender/sexual minority, her willingness to speak publicly already demonstrates tremendous courage. The responsibility of narrating her experiences should not rest solely on her shoulders; it needs to be heard and supported by more people.

This incident is not merely about one discriminator or one hurtful comment; it reflects the discriminatory attitudes and the current environment within the Chinese diaspora that tolerates misogynistic, homophobic, and transphobic rhetoric.

❗️Discrimination must be effectively stopped❗️

FDC has been commendable in its past efforts to rescue Chinese human rights workers and their families. The resilience they have shown in facing threats and intimidation from the Chinese authorities in their public activities deserves recognition. Therefore, I hope that in this incident, as one of the organizing bodies and the organization to which the involved person belongs, FDC can respond appropriately and effectively to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for the movement.

I call on the FDC @FDCcanada8964 and other organizers to:

1) Urge Ms. Gu Shuhua to apologize for her disruptive behavior and gender-discriminatory remarks;

2) Address the harm caused to the speaker @sauricat and other participants by this incident, including but not limited to psychological trauma and the disruption of the event;

3) Publicly commit to a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and any form of discrimination;

4) Pledge to establish clear and explicit anti-harassment and anti-discrimination mechanisms to ensure participants and collaborators feel included and safe.

As a feminist and LGBTQ activist, I am willing to do my utmost to help Federation for a Democratic China and other human rights organizations to establish a friendly environment in terms of gender equality. I welcome all discussions and reflections on gender awareness within the movement with relevant organizations.