Holocaust Memorial Berlin

Undoing Human Wrongs

Set-up on Saturday, June 2, 2007, this site has been established to address human rights issues. I have always been disturbed, concerned, and saddened by humanity's preoccupation with fearing difference. Ethnic conflict, criminalizing sexuality, exclusionary processes, political and religious frameworks guaranteeing division; these are ever-present topics taking place in all parts of the world. On the other hand I have always been inspired by communities and states that have moved forward in a quest to guarantee universal rights for all, creating laws which include rather than exclude certain groups. I have also been inspired by individuals who challenge others to think about prejudice, racism- discrimination at all levels. My challenge to friends, family, and the bloggers reading this is to become aware of new places with human rights abuses, learn about inspirational people, send stories, and make people aware. You can send messages out through your own sites, in emails to friends, or to the comments section of my blog. If you have links, videos, literature, etc, that you would like added send me a note (email in my full profile below). Terry

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Pride in Vancouver


In only a few days Vancouver Pride Week begins. Many people have been asking why we still need Pride, the parade, etc, when the GLBT community has "equality" in Canada (including marriage). With the approach of the celebration, I challenge people to forget about petty politics, stop complaining about liquor prices, go beyond the parties and the glamour, and reflect and somehow get involved in "the meaning of Pride". Attend a social justice event, find a queer arts space, volunteer for something that you feel passionate about, and take a stand against homophobia.

Just because elements of "equality" are written into law does not mean that suddenly the communities across this country accept them, or respect the people for whom these legal entities are created. Some Canadians do not realize that this is not a completely peaceful, live-and-let-live country where everyone accepts and respects eachother regardless of the identities we each have (either visible or invisible). This is apparent from the recent increase in gay bashings in the westend, and Vancouver's recent distinction as one of the top cities in Canada for hate-crimes (based on religion, culture, race, and sexual orientation).

Relatively speaking, Canada may be progressively ahead of other countries, both in legal and societal terms, but we have to stop believing that the world of Canada is becoming more progressive, that social divides do not exist, and that our multicultural framework is alive and well. By sitting back and thinking things are and will always be good is just plain foolish.

The present minority conservative government keeps showing its true colours when it cuts funding to human rights groups (or any group that disagrees with its policies), when it takes the same-sex piece our of the immigration guide, and when it works behind the scenes guaranteeing privilege to certain organizations which have religious or "family values" mandates. Stand up, show the government that the GLBT community is not just a passing phase, show your community that your serious about your rights, and show those who try to make you feel less of yourself through their verbal or physical attacks that you are stronger than them...Take Pride!

Terry

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