Mary Simon, Canada’s first Indigenous governor general, has spoken out against the racist and sexist abuse she received online, which led her to block comments on her official social media accounts. A video on her Instagram account highlighted some of the remarks, including calling her derogatory names like “treacherous bitch,” “trash,” and vulgar slang for women’s genitals. She was also subjected to insults about her Indigenous heritage and appearance.
In a statement released on International Women’s Day, Simon acknowledged that women in leadership positions, high-profile women, Indigenous women and girls, women from ethnic minorities, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals are threatened every day online and in their daily lives. Two-spirit is an umbrella term used by North American Indigenous people for gay, lesbian, or transgender individuals.
Simon called for a safe digital space for women, noting that women in Canada and abroad often face targeted misinformation campaigns and severe abuse online. This type of behavior is unacceptable and highlights the need for greater efforts to promote respect, tolerance, and understanding in our society.
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