June has been Pride Month in Canada, and considering the state of affairs in the world, the message of love, acceptance and embracing diversity could not be more timely.
In one way, it’s encouraging to see that as a society, we are beginning to understand that everyone is unique, in some form or another.
On the other hand, it’s sad to think that awareness campaigns such as Pride Month, and other initiatives set forth by 2SLGBTQIA+ communities worldwide are even necessary. But they are. In fact they have never been more so as pushback against acceptance seems to have gained steam in the last couple of years.
One of the most common misinformed arguments we hear from opponents to such initiatives as Pride Month is: “Why don’t we have a Heterosexual Pride Month?”
The answer is simple: we don’t need one. Heterosexuals are not persecuted for the simple reason of loving someone that someone else deems inappropriate. Heterosexuals don’t have to be frightened about walking down the street, hand in hand. Heterosexuals don’t have to constantly look over their shoulders, concerned about whether they are going to be the next victim of a hate crime, because of their sexual orientation.
Diversity is everywhere; whether it is referring to skin colour, religious denomination, or sexual orientation. We, as a species, should embrace our diversity. And not just this month, but perhaps for many of us, starting this month, let’s be accepting of others — as we would want them to be accepting of us.
Hopefully, there comes a time when the need for Pride Month no longer exists. We are certain most members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community wish that same thing, nearly every day. But as a society, we are still a long way away from there.
Just look at what has happened in recent weeks. In Cowichan, the very existence of a couple of drag shows drew campaigns trying to shut them down. Particularly disturbing is the rhetoric employed by many opponents likening anyone who participates in such events as performers or audience, or even approves of their right to exist, to pedophiles — perhaps the most vile thing of which one can be accused.
And how are we at the point where a child at a track meet has her gender questioned by a spectator because she has short hair?
Canada drew international headlines for that last one, to our eternal shame.
We clearly need pride month more than ever in 2023.
— Adapted from a previous Black Press Media editorial