One of Victoria’s incoming councillors is being pressed to relinquish her new job before it even starts. More than 1,500 people have signed a petition calling on councillor-elect Wendy Bowkett to resign. The petition targets Bowkett’s social media activity, including posts that perpetuate anti-transgender rhetoric. Eddi Wilson started the petition on Monday, two days after the election. “Wendy Bowkett’s tweets are full of misinformation and disinformation,” Wilson said in an interview with CTV News on Tuesday. “I want to demand better from our politicians at all levels of government.” In a post on X on Dec. 27, 2024, Bowkett said it’s never too late to become a TERF, which stands for trans-exclusionary radical feminist. The acronym describes feminists who don’t recognize trans women as women. Bowkett’s account has also reposted a variety of content that criticizes gender identity. In an email to CTV News, Bowkett said she’s been a community volunteer for two decades and has always worked with an inclusive mindset. “I know that some comments I have made on social media could be construed as snarky or mean. I am sorry for that,” Bowkett wrote. “The challenge in responding to these accusations is that there are also many fake posts attributed to me, generated by people looking to attack me.” CTV verified several of the posts in question. Bowkett did not respond when asked which ones were fake. Mayor demands inclusion Bowkett earned 13,545 votes in the election. “As a councillor, I look forward to meeting with people from across the community, hearing their concerns and working for a city hall that listens, makes transparent decisions and focuses on municipal issues,” Bowkett said. Victoria’s mayor, who was elected for a second term, said there’s no recall legislation for local government officials. She said the city has firm inclusion policies and a code of conduct. “I will demand that all members of council behave in that manner to treat one another and their publics with the respect they deserve,” Marianne Alto said. “Should any type of behaviour appear at the council table or in the council chambers that countermands or undermines those policies, I will indeed intervene as the chair.” Victoria is the most gender-diverse urban centre in Canada, with 0.75 per cent of residents identifying as trans or non-binary, according to 2021 census data. The Victoria Pride Society said the controversy has caused concern within the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community. “At a time when transgender and gender-diverse people are facing increased hostility and misinformation, public leaders have a responsibility to foster communities where all residents feel safe, respected and included,” the society said in a statement. Bowkett endorsed by firefighters Bowkett will soon sit in council chambers with Jeremy Caradonna, who was elected for a second term as a councillor. Caradonna is encouraging Bowkett to “work to rebuild the trust” of gender-diverse people. “City councillors represent all people in Victoria, and all residents should feel safe from discrimination by their elected officials,” he said in a statement. “The organizations that endorsed her should also clarify whether they share her views.” Bowkett is one of seven candidates who were endorsed by the Victoria Firefighters Association. Four of those candidates were elected. The association said its endorsements were based on the candidates’ support for its public safety priorities. “All our endorsed candidates are individuals with their own beliefs and platforms. We do not share all of them,” IAFF Local 730 president Josh Montgomery said in a statement. “Local 730 takes pride in protecting and providing for all Victorians without prejudice.” Diversity consultant weighs in A local diversity consultant, who is trans, said there’s an opportunity for civil and productive conversations in the community and in council. “A trans woman is a woman. A man is not going to go through transition and lose a significant amount of privilege to gain access to women’s spaces,” said Britton Kohn, regional coordinator for the Greater Victoria Police Diversity Advisory Committee. “If men want to gain access to women’s spaces, they just do it.” Kohn said resolution is possible. “It’s about acknowledging that you didn’t understand,” he said. “You’re willing to learn and you’re willing to grow. That makes a very impactful leader.”
