Police are expected to launch an investigation, following a racist and homophobic attack during an online International Women’s Day Event in Barrie.
Shelly Skinner, president and founder of UPlift Black was the victim of the attack while she was speaking at the event for the Barrie and District Labour Council on March 7, 2022.
UPlift Black has released a statement, which says: In a day intended to uplift and celebrate women, Shelly, an invited guest speaker and influential community changemaker, leader, and equity advocate was victimized with racist and homophobic slurs and imagery when the presentation screen was hacked/controlled by a person/people in attendance. Drawings of male genitalia, a swastika, and an image of a burning Pride flag, along with music utilizing the “n-word”, were all shared moments into Shelly’s address, and her name was spoken repeatedly.
This was a targeted attack meant to silence and defame a powerful Black woman in our community. No other speaker was interrupted and victimized. It is sad evidence of the rampant white supremacy, sexism, and heterosexism still so prevalent today.
Shelly was invited to share her experiences and knowledge, to inform and inspire those in attendance. Instead, she was harassed and had to leave the online space for her own protection. As we all know, the fight for equity is far from over. This incident on a day designed to draw attention to progress is a compelling reminder that we must continue to raise our voices and fight back against oppression and abuse.”
The Barrie & District Labour Council posted about the incident on Facebook, writing ” The Barrie and District Labour Council Women’s Committee event was hacked. What happened this evening was unwarranted, intrusive, and does not represent the values of the Barrie and District Labour Council. We apologize to our guests and participants that this took place. We, as an organization, work hard to create safe spaces that allow all participants a place to have a voice. We will change future events to ensure greater security for all.”
In an email to 89.1 Max FM, Barrie Police Corporate Communications Coordinator Peter Leon wrote, “This is very unfortunate and I am not aware of the incident or what happened being reported to police.”