Bill 44: I want my children removed from courses containing heterosexuality

>>> Update: June 1, 2009 <<<

I'm very frustrated. Media coverage has been spotty and even incorrect in some cases regarding Bill 44. It is about the go through its final reading in a few minutes, I'm watching it live. Apologies for inconsistencies.

>>> End update <<<

Yeah right, like that would actually happen (and, really, I wouldn't want it to). But, according to the newly proposed Bill 44 in Alberta it will be a legal request enshrined in the human rights code. Of course the concern is really for the children of intolerant parents who now have the right to remove their children from courses on sexual orientation. What this really means is parents may have the right to remove their children from courses which may discuss, in any form, homosexuality. Heterosexuality is entrenched in every facet of our society--heteronormativity--and does not need formal curriculum; so really this bill is completely biased and will only breed homophobia.

Bill 44 will probably be pushed through by the wrong, but politically right (winged), CONservatives as a bill which amends the human rights code to recognize discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. That alone would have been fantastic, but I would not expect such a step forward from such a government. The debate over the bill was heated, lasting to about 3:30 AM last night, with many, if not all, of the non-CONservative MLA's putting forth their strongest arguments against this bill of breeding hate. It was nice to see some resistance.

The ramifications of this bill will be far reaching affecting everyone in this province chiefly governed by intolerance. Kids with same sex parents will be further ostracized as they will be unable to talk about their dads or moms without the permission of all the parents of their classmates beforehand. Adolescents who are discovering their sexuality will face even more homophobia as ignorance breeds intolerance which leads to hate. As the current young generation of children become adults, any who are sexual minorities will also face greater intolerance. The ramifications go far beyond the few scenarios I just depicted, the damage is only beginning to be inflicted.

This is one huge step backwards, Alberta. I am, yet again, deeply ashamed to be living in this province which I will never be able to call home (I must only endure eleven more months of this! :) ). Even when I no longer live in Alberta, I will still advocate for fair, equitable treatment for all, no matter where they live.

International Day Against Homophobia

Happy International Day Against Homophobia! I was wondering if it would be appropriate to wish it be a happy day, but the day makes me happy that there is a strong international effort for this cause. So, yes, have a happy International Day Against Homophobia and do your part, whatever it is, big or small, it all makes a difference. Even if you can reach out to one homophobe and show him or her that there is really nothing to be afraid or and no reason to dislike homosexuals.

I'm assuming that you already know a lot about homosexuality being you're reading my blog, which I thank you for :). But just in case, here are some great links about homophobia and homosexuality, which may even come in handy to help out those homophobes:

homophobiaday.org--What you should know about homosexuality
PFLAG Canada -- click on "Looking for help?"
Canadian Federation for Sexual Health--some information and definitions
EGALE Canada--information on current GLBTQ issues in Canada

The best resource us homosexuals have in fighting homophobia is ourselves. We experience it nearly every day and know first hand what its like to be gay in a world where hate is all to common. I hate sounding like a broken record, but its up to each and every one of us--homosexuals, heterosexuals, bisexuals, and any-sexuals--to fight homophobia. If we want a safe place for ourselves and families to live we must make something as basic as sexual diversity an accepted and celebrated aspect of humanity.

Unfortunately and as expected not a lot is going on for this day in my city. Last week there was an open house at the Pride Centre, but that's about it. Its really sickening that in a city of a million people the best we can do is essentially nothing, we just invite more people to drop in to our centre. I would love to organize an event of some sort for this day, but I'm sure it would be a bust. I feel as though I am truly one in a million that is being held back by apathy. Yes, I do what I can and that is actually quite a bit at times, but I know in a larger, more involved and active city I could do a lot more. I'm excited to finish my degree in April and have the freedom to move!

A gay man who has never experienced prejudice

"prejudice |ˈprejədəs|
noun
1 preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience"

Someone I know claims that he has never experienced any form prejudice as a gay man. But, the gay community as a whole faces many stereotypes and prejudices, like being AIDS ridden sluts and always having unsafe sex, to only name a couple. Its obvious that he hasn't really opened his eyes nor been involved enough in the gay community or gay rights to actually know what prejudice is and how it affects us.

It is so frustrating to me that there are so many homosexuals who really don't care about gay rights, not even enough to know what prejudice is. How are we to actually achieve greater societal acceptance if we have a huge proportion of our population being apathetic? Its ridiculous. It makes the fight that much harder. Every homosexual I know hates being called a fag and being gay bashed, yet many refuse to do anything about it. Its time we all stand united together to fight for equitable treatment. This actually applies to any and all minority groups.

Encounters like these really irritate and sadden be, but at the same time motivate me to do better and fight for what's right. I'm now thinking of Harvey Milk, what an inspirational man.

Edmonton Hash House Harriers (EH3)

This afternoon while having what was a peaceful walk out in the beautiful weather I ran across an interesting fundraiser... well more like it ran across me. There was about 40 men and women participating in the annual Edmonton Hash House Harriers' Red Dress Run to raise funds for the Zebra Child Protection Centre. I thought it was great and donated $20. But, this is where the greatness ends.

A couple minutes later a middle aged man wearing a dress walking just behind me on the High Level bridge was yelling to passersby that he's not gay and likes girls. He was yelling so loud I heard him over my iPod and traffic! Wow, he must be really insecure with his sexuality.

I obviously found him to be very offensive so I politely told him I'm gay and what he's saying is offensive. He didn't say anything in reply to me. I then continued on my way boiling with anger and feeling betrayed. By obnoxiously declaring he is not gay he's also saying he would not want to be gay as if there is something wrong with it. He was implying that there's something wrong with me.

Now I'm assuming the Zebra Child Protection Centre would not want a blatantly homophobic person representing them, therefore, I will be informing them of this incident. I don't think informing the Edmonton Hash House Harriers of this would do much good as they're just a drinking club. But I will try anyways, what's the worst that could happen? I get called a fag.


They were giving out these cards too.