LGBTQ+ citizens must stand in unity
We often hear that citizens within the LGBTQ+ are bound in a unified group in this society. Of course that is a myth, as in many cases there is division within all parts of society.
The recent gay conversion therapy bill introduced in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly is a prime example of how divided it may be. This important occasion should have been attended by more than three people of Nova Scotia’s LGBTQ+ community. The bill to ban this terrible practice is of extreme importance and I expected a large number of our community’s members to be present. It was well publicized on social media, and when we arrived at the legislature I was totally surprised that the gallery was practically empty.
I was profoundly disappointed. Do we not band together to find justice for our LGBTQ+ community? Do our gay teens not deserve to be supported by those of us who have experienced the hardships of being a solid part of this society? Do friendships and a sense of family feeling not belong in our LGBTQ+ community?
If this column is to chastise my fellow LGBTQ+ citizens, then view it as such. My intentions are to unify us, not to take the view that we should be separated in this world.
We, as a minority, must move forward and support all the legislation that improves our existence. We should look ahead and work to diminish the atrocities committed against our community. It’s imperative that we do this in unison and not think others will do it for us. It just does not happen. For years, activists and those who dared stand for the rights as all others in society were ridiculed, bullied, attacked and even murdered. We also know that this continues to this day, and there is no reason to believe that the future looks bright.
Discrimination will continue to rear its ugly head. Our goal is to eradicate this continuous attack on members of our community, here and abroad. So the proof faces us daily, making it a priority to work even harder at minimizing the problems we face. The tabling of a bill to outlaw gay conversion therapy is a great step towards that goal. Nova Scotia will become the third province to ban this horrific practice.
Our politicians are aiding us in this case and we must show support when they support our goals to equality. Over the years we have faced uphill battles with many of our governments. Laws such as equal marriage, adoptions, pension benefits and protection from discrimination have become reality of sorts. The latter, however, is an ongoing battle, as indicated by some right-wing religious sects that seem to think they have the right to perform the therapies.
Religious freedom is great, but not if it discriminates. Governments tend to close their minds and eyes to this issue as they view this as interference with religious beliefs. Well, with the introduction of this new bill, we realize some of our politicians are willing to fight against discrimination. In order to accomplish success we must and have the obligation to stand up and protect our young and senior LGBTQ+ Canadians. It’s challenging but necessary and our future depends on those who are ready to unify. That’s the way to success, and a sure way to see some positive results, yes, even as we are in the midst of a rise in discrimination.
It is my wish that when the bill becomes law, the LGBTQ+ community will go on masse to the legislature to celebrate another step towards equality. This is a great way to emphasize that we are unified, and grateful to our lawmakers.
Gerard Veldhoven is a longtime activist for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. His column appears Wednesdays in The News. Comments and information: lgbtconnectionsgv@gmail.com.