The McMaster Social Sciences Society stands in solidarity with all members of the Black community, many of whom are fellow students, faculty members, peers and community members. We wanted to take the time to listen, learn and critically reflect; we cannot stay silent and we must recognize that these acts are part of a larger systemic issue that we witness not only on social media and the news but in our own communities. We condemn these and all acts of racism and stand in solidarity with the Black community as well as the Black Lives Matter Movement at McMaster and beyond. As the Social Sciences community, we support the calls for systemic changes both in Canada and the USA.

We must learn, unlearn, as well as listen and amplify the voices of those who have continually demanded change and be active in the fight in whatever way we can. What is being brought to light now is not an isolated incident but is one of many examples of ongoing systemic oppression, anti-Black racism and violence. We have provided resources on this post as well as a google document linked below of who to contact, how to support and where to take further action to assist in this fight. We encourage any who can to donate, sign petitions, advocate, and speak up against these actions. These links also provide information and resources both in the McMaster Community and beyond for those who are looking for individual support and ideas on how to support the community during these times. As students, we commit to continuous learning and listening. Please email president@themsss.com with suggestions and ways we can better support and advocate for our Black community members in Social Sciences and beyond.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all resources or services available. We will work to continually update the resources shown in the link in our bio, if you have any resources you would like to see added to this list please dm our account or email vpexternal@themsss.com

#BlackLivesMatters Resources (this is not an exhaustive list of resources and will be continuously updated): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mh9AggpGLndYBxvXQp9ee-0fX91IInF3pdyPCjZkQ2I/edit?usp=sharing

The MSSS wants to extend our support to LGBTQ2S+ individuals and say Happy Pride!!🌈 You are all valid every day of the year.
Below we have provided some resources both at McMaster, online, and in the Hamilton community; if there are any you would like to be added to this list, please comment/dm us or email vpexternal@themsss.com
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

McMaster Resources:

- Pride Community Centre (MUSC 221), 905-525-9140 ext. 27397 , msumcmaster.ca/pcc : contact point for McMaster students that may identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies. Identity-based peer support, safe(r) space lounge, educational programs, resource library, social events
- Women and Gender Equity NetworK (MUSC 204), 905-525-9140 ext. 20265 , msumcmaster.ca/wgen : safe(r) space for transfolk and people who identify outside the gender binary

Phone Lines:

- LGBTQ+ Youthline: 1-800-268-9688 (www.youthline.ca), Ontario Peer-support phone line for LGBTQ+ youth. Also provides peer support through online forum and email response. Confidential, free, non-judgmental.
- Trans Lifelife: 1-877-330-6366 (www.translifeline.org), a hotline staffed by transgender identifying people to help support community members experiencing a crisis. Free toll call

Self-Help and Background Information Resources:

- Rainbow Health Ontario: www.rainbowhealthontario.ca, resource, directory and information of LGBTQ+ health
- Sexuality and U: www.sexualityandu.ca, information on Sexual Orientation and Coming Out and Sexual Diversity

Hamilton Resources:

- Spectrum Hamilton: www.spectrumhamilton.ca, “Hamilton’s LGBTQ+ handbook resources for the Community, Family, and Friends”