Hard to understand hatred toward Pride

By Letter to the Editor on December 6, 2018.

Yet another senseless act of hate occurred recently in our city. When I read that the Pride crosswalk at the college had been vandalized again I was instantly filled with anger. But more than that anger I just feel disappointed. I just don’t get it. I don’t get the hatred that fuels these types of acts. And at the same time I’m at a loss for words when I see people supporting this kind of act.

We see this time and time again. Communities and organizations are showing support for equality, and then these types of disgusting acts happen. Why does someone feel the need to do this? What offends someone about equality? And, seriously, do not give me that rubbish line about straight people’s rights being violated. No one is taking away anything from you. We just want to have what you have been entitled to your whole life. We want to feel safe and secure. We want to belong.

I can understand how this is a difficult concept for some people to wrap their heads around. But for gosh sakes if you can’t understand, then ask. Ask me about my story. Ask me about my journey to find my identity. I will gladly share. And I’m one of the lucky ones. My story is very mild compared to many others out there. I was raised by parents who taught us to love and respect everyone. I have a family that has been incredibly supportive and has loved me for who I am.

Every time a new message of support comes out, every time a new flag is raised, or a crosswalk is painted I have hope. I hope that this time it will be different. This time no one will destroy it. Maybe I’m foolish. But I have to hope.

This needs to stop! However you identify, we can’t be silent about this. We need to stand with our brothers and sisters and say this is enough — this ends here! Our world has become so full of hate and fighting. We need to love one another and care for each other. We need to look out for everyone. We need to teach the next generation that these kind of hate-filled acts are not OK and will not be tolerated.

A man I admired, Jack Layton, wrote in his last letter to Canadians:

“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.”

Travis Boser

Medicine Hat

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