Pride Week in Toronto

During the past ten days in Toronto there was a gathering of over a million people celebrating the acceptance of diversity in sexual orientation. There were people of many stripes, feeling that they could associate without being bombarded by comments and restrictive laws.The ten days end with parades down Younge Street with crowds of over a million people. Gays, lesbians, politicians, dignitaries, entertainers and onlookers alike participated in a peaceful way. There were no nasty police and riot groups causing problems and during the whole ten days there were no real problems reported. This is the Toronto that the world needs to see.

This Pride week celebration has been held here for over twenty years and is the largest in North America. It is also one of the biggest tourist attractions along with Cabana and bolsters the tourist dollar. Years ago a gay lad was a happy fellow but during the seventies and eighties there was a homophobic attitude in many countries and gay bashing was a form of entertainment for the ignorant.

As a small time politician in a small city I had many people ask me during elections why I had associations with gay people.I had some friends who were gay and they were and still are my friends.I became aware of the pain people inflict on the gay community and tried to make myself a better , more understanding person. I like many more laughed and accepted jokes directed at gays during those days but not any more.

People who had gay members of their family or extended family sat and listened to hurtful remarks about gay people.Parents and friends eventually accepted the alternate sexual orientation of their loved ones and the gay population came out of the closet.Thousand of people in all walks of life openly declared themselves gay and the government of Canada reacted. Under Trudeau's leadership legislation was enacted to protect and enshrine rights for all people. Further social legislation was enacted so common privileges were put into law.Canada became a leader in the world for protecting minority rights.

Today slurs against the gay members of our society are fewer and people uttering such slurs paint themselves up as narrow minded, ignorant bigots.

I think pride week had much to do with this metamorphosis and although we may not agree with all the antics during the parade the good outweighs the bad. So to all my gay friends over the years I extend a congratulations for being one small part of our divergent Canadian society.