By Leslie Vryenhoek, editor

Performing in drag is an old art form that is experiencing a new mainstream popularity. But in recent years, drag has also become a lightning rod for those who oppose 2SLGBTQI+ rights and expression. Drag storytime for children, in particular, has drawn ire from protestors.

By Saranaz Barforoush, Ph. D. and Shayna Plaut, Ph. D.

The distortion of facts doesn’t just blur the truth — it shapes how the world sees a conflict, downplaying real suffering and making it easier to see others as “the enemy.” Disinformation is a direct threat to human rights. We see examples of this weapon of war taking a toll in conflicts today.

By Leslie Vryenhoek

When the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was being negotiated, one forward‐thinking Canadian included economic, social and cultural rights in the draft. Decades later, everyone’s right to a standard of living adequate for their health and well‐being still requires attention and action in Canada and around the world.

By Sarah Worthman

Modern anti‐2SLGBTQI+ hate echoes the myths and prejudices of the past, threatening to erase queer soldiers’ stories again.

By Karine Duhamel

MMIWG2S+ through the lens of Canadian and international law.

By Damhat Zagros

A first person’s reflection on being forced from home and wrestling with what that means for him and for future generations. The article provides evocative narrative as well as background on international law as it relates to refugees and internally displacement peoples and the intergenerational effects of trauma and displacement.

By Shelly Whitman Ph. D.

“The world is waging war on its children, in an obscene mockery of international law,” wrote Simon Tisdall in The Guardian. In 2022, one in six of all children on the planet were living in conflict‐affected areas. As of 2024, we are witnessing unprecedented levels of attacks against children in armed conflict areas. How can we protect our youth?

By Scott de Groot

Discover the history and meaning of Two‐Spirit. The term speaks to community self‐determination, rejects colonial gender norms and celebrates Indigenous sexual and gender diversity.

By Dave McLeod

First Nation, Inuit and Métis music has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability throughout history. Music by the people is still at the heart of who they are, as it has been for millennia.

By Mark V. Campbell (DJ Grumps)

For decades, hip hop has spoken truth to power. Its lyrics, rhythms, dance and art express youth culture, challenge inequality, and resonate around the world.

By Barbara Stowe

Music played a key role in the founding of Greenpeace. Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and others played a benefit concert to raise money for its momentous first mission.

By CMHR Curatorial Team

Tegan and Sara, identical twin sisters hailing from Calgary, Alberta, have been performing together for more than 25 years. The sisters have openly identified as queer and as such, their music has motivated, encouraged and inspired a generation of LGBTQ+ and feminist fans at home and abroad.

By Julie S. Lalonde

Violence limits and threatens the lives of women in Canada every day. The legal system and communities can do more to support and defend targets of male violence.

By Carlie Kane

Treaties were meant to ensure peaceful co‐existence between settlers and Indigenous peoples. But they became instruments of colonial control. Together, we can return to the original goal of mutual respect and care.

By Debra Thompson

Protest movements reveal and resist the injustice of systemic racism in Canada. Black community activism includes public protest, policy change and collective care.

By Steve McCullough

Digital misogyny is on the rise. Why do some men and boys get drawn into – and even seek out – extremist influencers and groups?

By Skylar Wall, Cindy Colford, Carolyn Sirett, Stephanie Chipilski and Carey Newman

Discover the collaborative, decolonizing approach taken to preserving the Witness Blanket as a monument commemorating Canada’s residential schools.

By Sarah Adomako-Ansah

When it comes to racism, there is a lot to learn and unlearn. Listening to those with lived experiences is an important first step in taking a stand against discrimination.

By Travis Tomchuk

Learn about this 500‐year‐old colonial idea that still affects Canada’s treatment of Indigenous peoples.

By Karine Duhamel

What is the UNDRIP and why is it important? What does Canada’s commitment to enact UNDRIP mean? How will it impact treaty rights, land, resources and cultural rights in Canada?