Curran Strachan
Dear Editor,
This is written for Mayor Harold McQuaker, Councillor Harrold Boven, and Councillor Warren Toles of The Town Council of Emo.
Hello. I must say I am saddened to have to write this, but I also am happy to use this as an education opportunity. At the very beginning of the discussion regarding accepting the motion brought forward by Borderland Pride for the year of 2020 in regard to declaring June 2020 pride month, something caught my attention. It says that in a previous meeting this was to be discussed at a future meeting over this past winter, and that that discussion never happened. The topic of inclusion of LGBTQ2S people within your community was ignored and brushed under the rug. Also, this alternative motion to replace the one brought forward by Borderland Pride that was mentioned was not prepared, even though there were multiple days for this to happen according to the audio record of the meeting, again proving the care of inclusion is not your top priority.
Here is where my educational piece comes in, and this is not just for the three individuals who voted against June 2020 being pride month in the Township of Emo, but for all who might be struggling to understand why exactly there isn’t this “flag for the straight people” which was brought up in the meeting.
Let us begin with the LGBTQ2S Youth statistics I have put together for you:
– 40% of homeless youth are members of the LGBTQ2S community due to rejection from family.
– Youth grades 7-12 are twice as likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual peers.
– 73% feel more comfortable being themselves online than in real life.
– 92% hear negative messages about being LGBTQ2S. Mainly in their schools, the internet, and from peers.
– Only 61% feel they can be themselves with their classmates.
– 68% hear negative messages from elected leaders.
LGBTQ2S Adult statistics:
– 8 times more likely to attempt suicide.
– 6 times more likely to report high levels of anxiety and depression.
– 3 times more likely to use illegal drugs.
– 3 times more likely to engage in dangerous sexual activity. (Many factors contribute to this one.)
Anti-LGBTQ2S Hate Crime Stats:
– In 2017, homicides against LGBTQ2S people spiked 86% from 2016 in America.
– In 2017 at least 27 transgender women were murdered in America. In 2019, at least 22 transgender women were murdered making it the fifth year that more than 20 trans women were murdered in America.
– In 2014, in Canada there were 155 documented hate crimes based on sexual orientation.
– In 2017, data collected in the UK showed an increase in attacks on LGBTQ2S people of 80% over a four-year period.
Now, I know this is a lot of information, and honestly, it is a really sad truth of the reality in which LGBTQ2S people live. It is not hard to be for inclusion. It is not hard to let your community members who are struggling with coming to terms with their sexuality know that they are accepted. It is not hard to vote in favor of the proposed motion.
Heterosexual people are not targeted for who they love. They are not murdered for who they are. They are not abandoned by their families for who they are. They are allowed to exist without fear of their sexuality or gender identity being a reason for harassment, exclusion, betrayal, or murder. The reason that there is not a flag for straight people is because straight people are not oppressed due to being straight. Look at these statistics and tell me again that you WANT a straight pride flag. That you would want these terrible things to happen to heterosexual people too, because you know what? LGBTQ2S members would not wish that upon you. It is not too late. I am almost positive that if you reached out to Borderland Pride and extended your hand in acceptance, they would gladly shake it. Show your community that you are actual leaders, that you stand with all people within the Township of Emo. That you are willing to abolish bigotry within your community.
Best regards,
Curran Strachan
