September 06, 2010
- Sometimes people make me sad.
- The fact that we still need an international day against homophobia is the cause for one of these occasions.
- I’d like to think that we have evolved enough as a species to be beyond such irrational emotions but unfortunately that is far from the truth.
- This year, International Day Against Homophobia falls on the weekend on which we celebrate the Queen’s birthday. There’s a joke in there but not one a straight guy can get away with saying.
- For the most part Canada should be proud of her record in the recognition for lesbian and gay communities. Most of our progress can be traced to the adoption of the Charter of Human Rights. “However, judicial advances will remain only that until a complete, unlimited social acceptance of homosexuality is achieved and homophobia wiped out. To achieve this goal, the Fondation Émergence proposed in 2003, along with partners, to hold each year a special day dedicated to the social recognition of homosexual experience.” http://www.homophobiaday.org/
- On the face of things we seem to be close to solving our problem. The truth, however, is that prejudice remains and while there is a lot of talk about acceptance and openness, many gays and lesbians are unable to live their lives as they would choose for fear of discrimination.
- The answer continues to be communication. Only through continued, open dialogue can we be sure that everyone is getting the message. It is not enough for a person to remain silent, he or she must come to understand.
- Silence is deadly but it is also very lonely for those who live in fear of being themselves.
- International Day Against Homophobia is about all people hoping for a prejudice-free world. On May 17th, if you can’t take part in an organized event, take some time to talk about it with your family and friends.
- Remember that it is not enough to tolerate. We must learn to accept until we wonder what all the fuss was about in the first place.
