- by Anne Finlay-Stewart, Editor
Two weeks ago, we raised the progressive Pride flag over Owen Sound and the City wished everyone a “Happy Pride Month”. The words spoken at the event were much clearer about the experience of our 2S-LGBTQQIAP+ community.
“Every year I stand here I try and speak about joy and love but every year the hate we are impacted by must be spoken about.”
Today – just a week after watching the freedom of those walking our main street and celebrating joyfully in rainbows and flags – I too have to speak of hate.
To show a flag is an act of solidarity and allyship. It is, in the current climate, an act of courage. To mail an anonymous letter is an act of cowardice. And hate.
These letters are showing up in the mailboxes of those who show the rainbow colours.
The letters use biblical quotes without context which they claim mean that their neighbours deserve violence and that God said so. They call for repentance and while they assert that the authors do not condone violence they use lethal language....”their blood shall be upon them.”
This is a threat and the police consider it as such. Your neighbours, their children and grandchildren, are at risk.
The letters so far are sent by mail, and of course, unsigned. Some are addressed to Prideman, or some such moniker. We suggest you do not open them, but place them in a plastic bag and contact the police or Grey Bruce Pride who will deliver them to the police.
If you want to add to the flags and signs on the property of those who have received these letters to show that we will stand together and not be intimidated, Grey Bruce Pride can help with that too.
In the words from the Pride flag raising – “You say you want diversity, equity and inclusion within Grey Bruce, for Owen Sound to be the place to live. Prove it.”
Grey Bruce Pride are working on progressive modules for community trainings one of which will be on active allyship and learning how to defend those facing adversity and hatred. We will promote these and encourage you to participate.
