Rise Up: The Story of Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter
Fierce working-class feminist advocate, Lee Lakeman, tells the story of Canada’s oldest rape crisis centre, the uprising of women there, and their decades long battle to stay women-only.
By the mid-90s, Vancouver Rape Relief had spent over 20 years fighting male violence. But in 1995, they faced a new challenge—a legal battle that would test their core beliefs. Kimberley Nixon, a man who claimed to be a woman, applied to be a volunteer. When Rape Relief declined, Nixon filed a human rights complaint.
The case ignited fierce debate. Nixon argued it was discrimination; Rape Relief maintained it was about preserving their female-only peer-support model. After years of legal battles, the courts ultimately ruled in Rape Relief’s favour, affirming their right to determine their membership criteria.
The fallout was intense. While some saw Rape Relief’s stance as principled, others criticised it as exclusionary. The case exposed tensions in feminism, but ultimately strengthened the reputation of Vancouver Rape Relief as a strong and independent organisation for women.
Brought to you by Julie Bindel and the Vancouver Lesbian Collective.
Producer: Samantha Smith
Artwork: Nicole Jones
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