Skip to content

TAKE ACTION NOW: EPL Restricts Pride Symbols in Direct Attack on 2SLGBTQIA+ Community

Pride Corner Rallies Against Edmonton Public Library's Executives Anti-Queer Policy

March 13, 2025

In what can only be described as a calculated assault on queer visibility, the Edmonton Public Library (EPL) administration has implemented a directive restricting employees from wearing Pride symbols as pins or displaying them in their work environment, with some Pride flags already removed from public areas within their facilities. This deliberate erasure comes at a time when 2SLGBTQIA+ rights are increasingly under attack across North America, making these ivory tower executives decision not just disappointing but dangerous.

As defenders of queer joy and existence at Pride Corner on Whyte Avenue, we've witnessed firsthand the violence and hatred directed at our community. Since 2021, we've stood our ground at Whyte Avenue and 104th Street against religious extremists and hate preachers who would prefer we didn't exist. We've faced threats with baseball bats, survived gun threats, and defeated spurious restraining orders designed to silence us. Through it all, we've remained resilient, creating a beacon of safety and celebration for our community.

The bitter irony of this situation cannot be overlooked. Pride Corner has repeatedly shown up to protect EPL from the very same extremists who target our community. We've mobilized our members to safeguard 2SLGBTQIA+ book readings when they faced threats of disruption. We've formed human shields at Drag Story Hours when protestors attempted to intimidate families and performers. Our community members are regular patrons who use EPL facilities for meetings, research, and community-building activities. We've defended the library's mission of accessible knowledge and inclusive spaces.

We are allies to the library; is the library leadership an ally to us?

Now we find ourselves asking if the EPL leadership team is interested in serving ALL Edmontonians. The Edmonton Public Library's executive's cowardly decision to restrict Pride symbols and remove some flags—universal symbols of safety and acceptance—directly contradicts their own strategic plan which promises to make "physical and digital spaces inviting and welcoming, fostering a sense of belonging for all." This is hypocritical doublespeak that reveals their true priorities: appeasing bigots at the expense of vulnerable community members.

Let's be crystal clear: restricting Pride symbols is not a neutral act. It is active discrimination. It tells 2SLGBTQIA+ staff and patrons they are unwelcome. It emboldens those who wish to see us erased from public life. It puts young queer Edmontonians at risk when they need safe spaces the most.

The CSU 52 union recognizes this attack for what it is and stands with us in opposition. EPL's action sends a chilling message that inclusion is conditional and that 2SLGBTQIA+ identities are controversial rather than simply human.

This will not stand. We demand:

  1. Immediate reversal of this discriminatory policy and public statements affirming all employees right to self expression.
  2. Public apology from EPL leadership for miss-leading the public regarding easily verifiable directives given to front line staff.
  3. Implementation of true inclusivity training for EPL decision-makers on why such disregard for symbols is erasure.

We will not be silent. We will not be erased. And we will not stop fighting until EPL executives honors its commitment to be a truly inclusive space for all Edmontonians.

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW

FLOOD THEIR LINES. SPEAK UP. BE RELENTLESS.

Every voice matters in this fight. Tell EPL leadership and city officials that their attack on our community will not go unchallenged. Be direct. Be firm. Demand better.

Email Board Chair Pilar Martinez

This directive likely came directly from the CEO's office. Make your voice heard by contacting Pilar Martinez directly to express your disappointment in EPL's decision to remove Pride flags and symbols from public areas.

Pilar Martinez, EPL CEO

Pilar Martinez, Chief Executive Officer

  • Email: pilar.martinez@epl.ca
  • Phone: 780-496-7000

Scroll down to review, copy, and paste email to click send email below to have a email opened in your email client.

Contact the EPL Board of Trustees IMMEDIATELY

  • Board Secretary: Lisette Lalchan
  • Phone: 780-496-7097
  • Email: Lisette.Lalchan@EPL.CA
  • Board Information: EPL Board of Trustees

Pressure Your City Council Representative

The councillor directly responsible through her position on the EPL board:

  • Karen Principe
  • Phone: 780-496-8128
  • Email: karen.principe@edmonton.ca

Demand Accountability from EPL's Executive Team

Spread the Word

Share this information widely. Use the hashtags #pridecorner in your social media posts.

JOIN THE RAINBOW READ-IN PROTEST ORGANIZED BY TRANS.RIGHTS.YEG

STAND AGAINST 2SLGBTQIA+ DISCRIMINATION

Where: Stanley A. Milner Library
Address: 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square NW
When: Sunday, March 16th
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Join us as we peacefully protest EPL's discriminatory policies through a public reading event. Let's show that our community will not be silenced or erased.

Pride Corner on Whyte will not be silenced. We'll be even louder.

Subject: Urgent Request to Reverse Discriminatory Pride Flag Ban

Dear Edmonton Public Library Board of Trustees and Executive Leadership Team,

I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding EPL's recent directive to remove Pride flags from all public areas within library facilities. This decision directly contradicts EPL's own strategic plan which promises to create "inviting and welcoming" spaces that foster "a sense of belonging for all."

As a community member who values the essential role libraries play in fostering knowledge, inclusivity, and safe spaces, I find this policy deeply troubling. The Pride flag is not a political statement but a symbol of safety and acceptance for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals who already face significant challenges in public spaces.

I wish to highlight that the Pride Corner community has repeatedly supported EPL by:
- Protecting 2SLGBTQIA+ book readings from disruption
- Forming human shields at Drag Story Hours when faced with protestors
- Actively using and supporting library services as regular patrons
- Defending the library's mission of accessible knowledge and inclusive spaces

The removal of Pride flags sends a harmful message to 2SLGBTQIA+ staff and patrons that they are unwelcome and that their identities are controversial rather than simply human. This action is particularly concerning given the increasing attacks on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights across North America.

I respectfully but firmly request that EPL:
1. Immediately reverse this discriminatory policy
2. Issue a public apology to the community
3. Implement comprehensive inclusivity training for EPL decision-makers
4. Create a 2SLGBTQIA+ advisory committee with meaningful authority to guide relevant policies

Libraries should be at the forefront of inclusion and accessibility for all community members. I urge you to reconsider this decision and reaffirm EPL's commitment to being a truly welcoming space for everyone in Edmonton.

I look forward to your prompt response and action on this urgent matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Contact Information]

Commentary & Sources

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text