File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Vancouver-Kensington MLA Mable Elmore

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SOUND OFF: Celebrating the roots of Pride

Jun 23, 2021 | 9:03 AM

JUNE IS CELEBRATED AROUND THE WORLD as Pride Month. At its root, Pride is a protest. It’s about honouring the advocacy and struggles of the LGBTQ2S+ community. In particular, we remember heroes like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera and other trans activists of colour who led the Stonewall Riots in 1969, ultimately sparking the gay rights movement around the world. We commemorate Pride while standing on the shoulders of those who have fought for progress amid our country’s shameful history of oppression.

During Pride month, it’s important to reflect on Canada’s history of discriminating and criminalizing the LGBTQ2S+ community. This is crucial in preserving the memory of those who have suffered at the hands of law and society. During the Montreal Raids in 1977, two gay bars were raided, and 146 gay men were arrested and detained. In 1981, Toronto police stormed four gay bathhouses and arrested almost 300 men. During the cold war, hundreds of lesbians and gay men lost jobs in military or government service because of their sexual orientation, facing prolonged harassment and interrogation.

Today, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community continue to face attacks on their rights and safety. They experience higher rates of mental health struggles, addiction, and violence. And these impacts are disproportionately experienced by women and racialized community members. Transgender people continue to be invalidated, questioned and disrespected. Around the world, legislation and political rhetoric continue to undermine their identity and perpetuate medical, legal and societal discrimination. These are just a few examples; the list goes on and on and on.

But alongside the ongoing pain and struggle, Pride is also a celebration.

It’s a celebration of love, freedom and progress. It’s been a long and winding road to go from the first Vancouver Pride Parade in 1978 to the first Pride in downtown Kamloops in 2017, almost 40 years later. We’ve come a long way as a country and as a province.

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Since we formed government, New Democrats have worked to support and advocate for the rights and safety of the LGBTQ2S+ community. We’ve established a new independent Human Rights Commission. We’ve introduced Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) inclusive codes of conduct in all 60 B.C. school districts. We’ve expanded top surgeries and introduced gender-affirming lower surgery for trans people. I’m proud of the work our government has done to support and protect the LGBT2S+ community. There’s much more to be done, but we are committed to this fight.

Although Pride celebrations will look different this year, I’ve watched our province come together to send a clear message of love, support and solidarity to the LGBTQ2S+ community: our province is a better place because of you. I cannot wait to march arm-in-arm with you when we can come together again. I cannot wait to bask in your light and to amplify your voice; to keep fighting every single day — on the streets, in the legislature and in everyday life — for your continued justice and safety.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.