Lawmaker in Quebec subjected to a barrage of hateful messages following commemoration of Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
Quebec Liberal MNA Jennifer Maccarone has been subjected to an onslaught of hate messages after delivering a speech at the National Assembly on International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
In an interview with The Canadian Press, Maccarone shared her distress over the persistent abuse she has faced for years. She expressed hope that leaders of her party and the opposition would issue a joint statement advocating for inclusion and respect for rights.
"The amount of hate I receive each time I speak out is so immense that I sometimes question whether I should continue," she confided. "It's not just about me; it impacts my family, colleagues, and even my children, who have autism spectrum disorder."
A disturbing number of aggressive and inappropriate messages followed the video of Maccarone's speech in the Salon rouge, which was posted on social networks. Published screenshots reveal internet users referred to her as "trash," "crazy," and many other disparaging terms. Comments included sentiments like "she makes me sick," "why do you want to normalize homosexuality?," and "LGBT people are going too far, and they're paying the price."
Maccarone views this as a reason to continue raising awareness and encouraging dialogue. "Although it saddens me that we need such discussions, it underscores the necessity for open dialogue against homophobia and transphobia," she argued.
As of now, at least 100 hateful comments have been removed from social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Some messages accused Maccarone of being a trans woman and attacked her children. "Should I forward these comments to the Quebec police for investigation?" she pondered, emphasizing that limits must be set.
Maccarone attributes this type of online hostility and attacks on the LGBTQ+ community to the rise of right-wing political ideologies worldwide, which she believes embolden such abusive behavior. Drawing attention to the fundamental rights of individuals regardless of their sexuality, orientation, or identity, Maccarone reaffirmed that these private matters should never be used as a basis for denial of rights.
First published on May 23, 2025, by Patrice Bergeron, The Canadian Press.
- The Canadian Press published an interview with Jennifer Maccarone, where she discussed a video of her speech about homophobia and transphobia, which received numerous hateful comments.
- After sharing about the persistent abuse she has faced, Maccarone expressed her hope for joint statements from party and opposition leaders advocating for inclusion and respect for rights.
- Maccarone also stated that the rising online hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community is connected to the increased influence of right-wing political ideologies, emphasizing the importance of upholding individuals' fundamental rights regardless of their sexuality, orientation, or identity.
