Andrew Greer is Purppl’s Managing Director & Cofounder.
At Purppl, our mission revolves around nurturing a just and regenerative economy that benefits everyone, regardless of who they are, who they love or how they identify. Our vision is firmly rooted in principles that advocate for respectful relationships, collaboration, equity, and hope for a future filled with abundance.
Today, we raise our voice on an issue that aligns closely with these values – supporting the rights and well-being of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, specifically the promotion of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) awareness and inclusion.
We’ve learned that not raising our voice is sometimes more deafening than speaking up. Not raising our voice is at best enabling the status quo and at worst is deeply harmful.
Let us be clear. There is no space for hate. We want to express our unwavering support for LGBTQ2IA+ folks and SOGI for all. We are part of the chorus of those who stand up to protect SOGI education in schools in order to create safer learning environments for young people.
Provincial statistics show that amongst LGBTQ2IA+ students in BC, 42% report being victims of cyberbullying, and lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are seven times more likely to attempt suicide. About 19% of BC high school students identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or not exclusively heterosexual. Everyone has sexual orientation. Everyone has gender identity. These are some of the reasons SOGI exists for all.
All people deserve safer learning spaces, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. We know that these spaces save lives. We stand up for youth, we stand beside organizations like school districts and many others who build welcoming communities that support diversity, and where attacks on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community have no place. We see you and hear you.
In the face of anti-SOGI protests, it’s our youth who are often most affected. They are on the frontlines, courageously advocating for their rights and those of their peers. As social entrepreneurs and leaders, we have a responsibility to raise their voices and provide the support they need.
Join us in amplifying people and organizations who are on the frontlines, creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all – including these clients/partners we’ve been honoured to walk alongside: kinSHIFT, Seeds of Leadership, Sage Haven, Elizabeth Fry Society, COYA Productions, Canadian Mental Health Association, and many more.
Together, we can build communities and spaces where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is the norm, and hope shines as a guiding light.
In Solidarity,
Andrew Greer
Managing Director
Further resources:
- SOGI 123
- Mental Health Support Line (24/7): 310-6789
- Talk Suicide (24/7): 1-833-456-4566
- Talk Suicide Text (11am-11pm): 45645
- Kid’s Help Phone (24/7): 1-800-668-6868
- Kid’s Help Text (24/7): 686868
