IS THE LGBTQ MOVEMENT GETTING UNDER YOUR SKIN?

IS THE LGBTQ MOVEMENT GETTING UNDER YOUR SKIN?

I have been avoiding writing about any LGBTQ issues in the past. Today, I feel it is time to be brave and forward a few comments and criticisms. I know that this is a dangerous position to take, in today’s multicultural and multi-sexual world, but I will take my chances.

To begin, I have no problem with everyone choosing or living with the sexual identity they prefer. I don’t really care if a person identifies as gay or lesbian or bisexual, that is up to them. But in recent years the LGBT community seem to be assuming a level of self importance that I do not accept.

For years the LGBT members have been fighting for recognition of their right to be what they are. They do not wish to be closeted by our larger society, but rather they want to be able to profess their sexual identities openly without fear of retribution and ostracism. Again, I have no issue with this. Their basic goals are acceptance and inclusion within our larger society and the elimination of discrimination against their personal life styles.

However, I find it very hypocritical of the LGBT membership for their decisions regarding a recent local Gay Pride Parade. The first parades held were opportunities for any members of the community, whether gay or straight, to just show up and march together in solidarity to uphold the acceptance of people who were LGBTQ. Today you must apply to march in the Gay Pride Parade. Consequently, this year no politically elected supporters or political parties are allowed to march in the parade and last year, no policemen in uniform were allowed.

The above decision is discriminatory and exclusive and I am not really interested in the rationale for the decisions. Politicians and police have been excluded and not accepted as marchers. It just seems so ironic that these two basic principals that are fundamental to the LGBT movement are now being used against other groups. Am I wrong?

Just recently I read the headline “LGBT youth demand meeting with Premier Jason Kenney”. Dozens of LGBTQ community members and allies stood at the steps of city hall to protest the passing of Bill 8, the controversial Education Amendment Act, which protesters say restricts the creation of gay-straight alliances. The protest, I cannot criticize, but the “demand” for a meeting with the provincial premier is unacceptable.

The LGBT movement has made strides in gaining acceptance in many areas. However, it has not elevated them to the status of “demanding” anything from anyone. They are a minority group with no legal entity status and yet some of them feel that they can be politically assertive well beyond their unofficial status.

I would suggest that they tread lightly and work at strengthening relations with the non LGBT community and develop a profile that is characterize by cooperation, service, and humility, rather than demanding anything.

If you belong to the LGBT community and I have offended you, too bad! That is how I feel and you can tolerate and accept it, or not!