In response to the Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board’s decision to recognize the diversity of students and staff by implementing an Equity Plan, Grey Bruce Pride would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for their decision to fly the Pride flag this June. Such actions are important for all people working and attending school to feel safer, supported, fully recognized and included in the school community.
As we strive to lead Grey Bruce Pride with open hearts and respect for all human rights; we would like to firstly thank all of the educators for working to make this Equity Plan – which aligns with Ontario’s Education Equity Action Plan – a reality. Thanks to the community members and youth who provided feedback with their Equity Survey that helped guide this localized plan. We know that progress in shifting paradigms amongst any community is slow, hard work; be it societal or faith based. We are certain that you advocated strongly with your peers, community members, policy makers, superiors, and religious leaders, along with re-examining your own values.
Our local 2S-LGBTQQIAP+ Community continues to face ongoing homophobia and transphobia. Locally, there are still reports of conversion therapy – despite being illegal. Many of our 2S-LGBTQQIAP+ Community do not feel safety in coming out or into themselves as they are routinely ostracised, assaulted and harassed. In many cases, the assaults which occur to our 2S-LGBTQQIAP+ Youth, are from prejudiced family members and parents. Our community has children living in fear at their homes right now, wondering whether their lives are worth living; both fearing death and welcoming it. These and other daily experiences of homophobia and transphobia have lasting effects on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Given the significant impacts on wellbeing for students and staff, it is also important for Grey Bruce Pride to address the hateful remarks of local pastor Fr. Wojciech Kuzma of the St Mary’s Catholic Church utilizing his Church’s weekly newsletter to directly target the Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board, their Director and Chair upon the recent implementation of their Equity Plan. Fr. Kuzma is the local Catholic leader of his diocese which extends from Owen Sound to Hepworth, Sauble, Wiarton, Meaford, Chatsworth, Tobermory, Lion’s Head, and Neyaashiinigmiing. We are deeply disappointed that a local leader is opposed to a school board providing inclusivity, visibility and safety to youth, parents, guardians, caregivers and staff.
No single individual is the solitary voice of a faith. Faiths are rooted in shared morals, values and beliefs often based upon love and community.
Sadly, Fr. Kuzma does not support this initiative and regrets its implementation across Grey-Bruce (http://www.parishbulletins.com/bulletins/072/April%2010%202022.pdf). He states that flying the pride flag will cause scandal, breed confusion, and will lead individuals away from the Catholic Church.
Given Fr. Kuzma’s method of communication of this divisive statement over Holy Week, combined with his trusted position of spiritual influence over many youth, guardians, parents, and community members, it is deeply troubling and serves to alienate already perilous community members. Such statements cause harm. It is our role as community advocates to bring about awareness and help bridge the oppositional mindsets our community has, to build safer communities which thrive upon diversity and inclusivity of all faiths, cultures, race, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, and the likes.
To all of our 2S-LGBTQQIAP+ Youth and Adults directly affected by this, please know you are worthy of existing, of loving, of being. Your authentic self matters. You are not alone, we are with you. The world deserves to know you and your wonder.
If you need help or are in crisis, feel free to connect with us, call or text LGBT Youthline a Crisis Line run by Queer Youth for Queer Youth, or Kids Help Phone, Hope for Wellness, GB Mental Health Crisis Line, or call or text 211 if you don’t know who to call but know you need help.
Our youth are our future. They need protection and love to help them strive to be their best self-actualized self. Thank you again to our educators and allies within the Grey-Bruce Catholic School Board for your work and dedication to their safety and wellbeing. We appreciate these steps in allyship and extend our support in helping you implement and review your Equity Plan over the coming years should you desire it.
source: Grey Bruce Pride
Image: Grey Bruce Pride Facebook profile picture
