July 16, 2012

Dear Editor: Late June marked the 32nd anniversary of Toronto Pride, which celebrates the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and queer community and their allies ("LGBTQA"). Around the same time, with less fanfare, the spirit of Pride was evident in our district. In a decisive vote, the congregation of Emo's Knox United Church concluded a months-long discussion and elected to amend their marriage policy to facilitate same-sex weddings, which have now long been legal in Canada. Although it remains possible that no same-sex couple will pursue the option to wed within the Knox sanctuary, the recognition and acceptance of LGBTQA individuals by this organization expresses important values that are often overlooked in smaller, more remote communities. Smaller centres may lack the developed set of LGBTQA interest groups, social networks, and corporate commitments found in larger centres. Such model organizations and individuals set the tone for the community and create a visibly supportive environment for LGBTQAidentifying persons. My own experience in the legal community is no exception. Through Out On Bay Street, leading law firms not only provide financial support of our annual conference, but participate enthusiastically in the development of workshops, panel discussions, networking, and career development opportunities for LGBTQA law students and young professionals. The conference underscores the importance of LGBTQA professionals to these organizations, their recruitment priorities, and the contributions of the LGBTQA community to corporate Canada. Similarly, on July 1, when the Osgoode Hall OUTlaws became the first law school organization to march in Toronto's Pride Parade, Osgoode unreservedly provided banners and T-shirts bearing the school's insignia. In doing so, it contributed the support of one of Canadas leading legal academic institutions and allowed itself to be represented, as a whole, by the members of its LGBTQA community. Of course, by sheer numbers alone, the practicality of comprehensive LGBTQA initiatives can wane in smaller centres. But this should not prevent us from showing our solidarity. For the same reasons that it is important for First Nations, visible minorities, and women to be respected in our customs and parlance and reflected in our workplaces and organizations, it is essential for our young people to see positive representations, acceptance, and model behaviour related to LGBTQA issues. Our support must be evident in more than the letter of the law, prime time TV, and school policies. Pride in our identities can only take root if it starts at home, intertwined with the places, people, and activities which make up our day-to-day experience of the world. Whether motivated by faith or fealty, last month a small church in Emo took one such proactive step toward educating and enriching their community. Amidst a news cycle that often seems hostile to diverse sexual orientations, classmates or parents that misunderstand the severity of homophobic bullying, or religious doctrines that turn a blind eye to or condemn alternative lifestyles, it is paramount for other facets of our small communities to be welcoming, nurturing, and supportive places for our LGBTQA or questioning neighbours. The assumed presence or absence of LGBTQA individuals in our midst should not dictate the extent of our concern. An openly gay CNN anchor recently remarked that his sexual orientation doesn't matter what matters is his willingness to stand up and be counted. This is every bit as true for allies as it is for every person who identifies as LGBTQ: token acceptance is no longer enough, especially where few model organizations and individuals are to be found. It is only in deliberate recognition, respect, and representation that we can find our Pride. Sincerely, Douglas W. Judson Director of Strategic Alliances, Out On Bay Street Co-Chair, Osgoode Hall Law School OUTlaws Emo and Toronto, ON