On a world scale, Canada is viewed as one of the most progressive countries, world-wide, as far as LGBTQ rights are concerned. The struggles to reach this point have been challenging, and we must remember that this has been a battle for years.
Even as Canadian LGBTQ citizens enjoy protection under the law, and are generally accepted by society as a whole, discrimination continues to rear its ugly head. Bullying and attacks verbally and physically are quite common.
In Canada, in this day and age, you may ask? Yes, indeed, as equality, a wonderful and inclusive term, is not yet a reality. Those who are in our government will heap praise on themselves for being open, all inclusive and protective, are not looking at the reality of the situation.
Yes, we do enjoy a more satisfying existence as a part of Canadian society, but let’s be realistic and look at the fact that many forces still attempt to negatively influence us. The many religious institutions that are constantly attempting to sway people’s minds in a discriminatory manner are plentiful. Right-wing Christian places of learning instil young people’s minds with anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, consequently continuing the discrimination that has been in existence for centuries.
Even as discrimination is against the law, it prevails, and is condoned by the law. The fact that we all belong to the same society is of no consequence and so equality is ignored. As long as this continues, discrimination will also fare well into the future.
As we take a look at other countries, we learn that we in Canada may be fortunate in that our laws will “protect” us as LGBTQ citizens. Be assured, there are other nations that have legislation in place that include LGBTQ citizens. The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, and many others also have similar protection. On the international stage, Canada excels on this front, being one of the most tolerant countries.
There is always a “but” in the equation. We are not out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination. We may well believe that Canada is the place for total LGBTQ acceptance, but that is not the case, and we constantly hear of discriminatory action. This is not only true of the LGBTQ community, but citizens who are Muslim, African Canadians, the Indigenous population and so many others. These Canadian citizens are singled out as they are not viewed as “the norm.” The reason for this thinking is simple enough for those who are the “judges,” but on the other side of the attacks are those who take the brunt of brutal discrimination.
Yes, Canadians are more tolerant than countless nations, and yet we are not immune from dishing out hurtful and highly dangerous comments and actions. The results can be devastating and have dire consequences. LGBTQ teens are prone to being rejected by family members and shown the door, many times resulting in suicides. Some religious schools and churches practise doctrine that forbids same sex attraction and marriages and generally reject any form of human kind other than heterosexual behaviour. The damage done by these type actions is often irreversible and totally against all that is written into our laws meant to protect, not destroy.
So, my fellow Canadians, while we may celebrate our achievements in attaining equal rights under the law, we must educate, educate some more, and raise awareness in order to erase the stigma attached to many LGBTQ and other Canadians. We are at the top of the list, but so much remains to be done!
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Gerard Veldhoven is a longtime activist for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. His column appears Wednesdays in The News.