Canadian Politics Today

Beyond Ottawa => Provincial and Local Politics => Topic started by: kimmy on June 16, 2018, 11:21:29 am


Title: Toronto Pride, 2018 version
Post by: kimmy on June 16, 2018, 11:21:29 am
Last year we talked about Toronto Pride and BLM quite a bit in this thread:

https://canadianpoliticalevents.createaforum.com/canada-discussion-forum/trudeau-to-gay-people-sorry-my-bad/15/

This year, from pretty much the moment the election was over, people have been frothing at the mouth for the chance to slam Doug Ford for not attending, even before he said he wasn't attending.  His official position is that he looks forward to attending the parade, just as soon as police are welcomed back to the event.

This writer complains that that's just an excuse for Ford because he probably doesn't want to go anyway:
https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/2018/06/15/pride-police-ban-gives-ford-a-convenient-excuse-not-to-march.html
Maybe... but maybe it's still a reasonable position.

This writer suggests that as Pride drifts away from being about gay equality and becomes a celebration of left-wing political causes, it's no longer reasonable to accuse conservative politicians of homophobia for choosing to not attend:
http://nationalpost.com/opinion/im-gay-and-i-wouldnt-blame-doug-ford-for-avoiding-torontos-pride-parade

In terms of supporting gay equality, Doug Ford demonstrated where his party stands when he booted Tanya Granic-Allen out of the caucus for her homophobic views.  In terms of supporting gay people, that matters more than going down and marching with BLM or Gays Against Israel or whichever other groups are going to be joining the parade this year.

In Alberta, Jason Kenney and the UCP applied to participate in the Edmonton Pride Parade, and were politely asked not to.  It was felt that their presence would be divisive and disruptive and potentially unsafe.  It would have.  It would be the same if Doug Ford attended Toronto Pride, as well.

 -k
Title: Re: Toronto Pride, 2018 version
Post by: SirJohn on June 16, 2018, 12:03:39 pm
It wasn't just that they thought Kenney's presence might be disruptive, they also demanded to know how the Tory party's platform (which they don't have yet) would help the gay community, and since they didn't see enough in it they liked then the tories didn't deserve to march. Oh, and they also banned the military for some reason.

From coast to coast it seems all the pride parades have been hijacked by BLM and other anti-capitalist, extreme left organizations.
Title: Re: Toronto Pride, 2018 version
Post by: Squidward von Squidderson on June 16, 2018, 12:29:44 pm
It didn’t help in Alberta that the Conservatives have anti-gay policies at their party convention. 

But I agree with most of what Kimmy said.   They used to be inclusive to try and create acceptance.   Now that their is some level of acceptance, organizers are targeting groups to kick out of the parade. 

If I was a gay cop or military member, that wouldn’t endear me to the group.  It’s already difficult for cops or military to come out as gay and the pride parade is actually making it more difficult. 
Title: Re: Toronto Pride, 2018 version
Post by: wilber on June 16, 2018, 02:41:20 pm
Agree. It used to be about inclusiveness, now it seems to be anything but. You don't change people's attitudes by shutting them out and making them villains.

The first pride parade I saw, I stumbled on in London when I was out for a walk on a layover in the early nineties. I didn't even know it was scheduled for that day. It was a hoot and I really enjoyed it. I wonder if the London one has been hijacked by activists as well. I wouldn't bother going to one in Canada now. My son is a cop and he is in no way a homophobe, nor was he brought up to be.
Title: Re: Toronto Pride, 2018 version
Post by: wilber on July 21, 2018, 01:05:16 pm
Turns out it's not all Pride organizers. This year, uniformed Abbotsford officers were welcomed to the Fraser Valley Pride event and the department chief was one of the speakers. So maybe I will go to another one.
Title: Re: Toronto Pride, 2018 version
Post by: Rue on July 23, 2018, 03:13:13 pm
It wasn't just that they thought Kenney's presence might be disruptive, they also demanded to know how the Tory party's platform (which they don't have yet) would help the gay community, and since they didn't see enough in it they liked then the tories didn't deserve to march. Oh, and they also banned the military for some reason.

From coast to coast it seems all the pride parades have been hijacked by BLM and other anti-capitalist, extreme left organizations.

STRONGLY AGREE another bang on post.
Title: Re: Toronto Pride, 2018 version
Post by: Squidward von Squidderson on July 23, 2018, 03:22:53 pm
STRONGLY AGREE another bang on post.

So when the Alberta Conservatives pass anti-gay policies at their convention, you don't think there would be some sort of reaction from the gay pride parade people?
Title: Re: Toronto Pride, 2018 version
Post by: Rue on July 23, 2018, 03:27:19 pm
I strongly support the democratic right of people to march as much as I might disagree with them. As long as they do not promote violence or hatred it is essential in a democratic state this freedom of expression can occur.

That said and not being gay, I ultimately believe it is the gay community not me who must take back control of gay pride. As a straight person when I was younger I went to many pride parades to support my gay friends some of whom were firemen and cops and paramedics and soldiers.

Then it changed and not just people like me but many gay people turned away from gay pride and its a shame. Its supposed to break down barriers and form a bridge with the community not set up barriers of hatred and distrust. The pride parade started as a protestt to the police busts of spas. It morphed into an opportunity for gays to connect to many of us police included. Now its been hijacked by bigots with exclusivity agendas and using their left wing status to justify their bigoted assumptions about police, Jews, Conservatives.

Gay culture is not necessarily about g strings and butt cheeks. Its about humour, art, expressive arts explaining the collective identity and anghst of gays and how they have overcome insecurity, shame, stereotypes like every other minority.

As a Jew I get gays. They have the same self effacing humour and ability to turn deep depressive anxiety and self doubt into strength through creative expression They  created a collective nation just like we Jews have done with Israel only their nation is a series of nations similar to aboriginal nations connected by a holistic concept. I like it. Its been a positive force in rebuilding inner cities and on fundraising for many diseases not just aids. Its a network that has helped as many straights as it has gays when it comes to poverty, mental illness, sexual trauma and violence.

All that said how such a small group of haters have hijacked it I do not get. To me when it allowed Black Lives Matters and specific anti Jewish anti Israel hate groups to dominate it, it singled the end to inclusivity and welcoming all and that is a shame. That is why I strongly agree with Kimmy. I myself have worked with some good people in the gay community who have assisted us in the legal system with run aways on the streets, sexually abused minors, fighting the organized child sex and teenager **** issues. I know how well organized and insightful the community can be at mobilizing the streets to find a child or help track down a suspect.

I will leave it at that.
Title: Re: Toronto Pride, 2018 version
Post by: Michael Hardner on July 23, 2018, 05:09:14 pm
Bigots ?  That's a little strong.  These are people who have been oppressed, so why wouldn't they identify with other groups that have been oppressed ?

Maybe banning police goes a little far, but the whole thing is a protest march so...
Title: Re: Toronto Pride, 2018 version
Post by: Queefer Sutherland on July 23, 2018, 06:17:42 pm
Never been to a pride parade even though i support LGBT rights.  What I find odd is the nudity involved, as I see on youtube.  Dudes dancing in speedos I don't care, but women and men walking down the parade path fully need, penises and **** muffs for the world to see, is a bit gross LOL, not to mention illegal.

You would think it would be a little more family friendly.  Not sure what private parts have to do about pride.  Straight people have them too. 
Title: Re: Toronto Pride, 2018 version
Post by: Michael Hardner on July 23, 2018, 06:31:16 pm
I've never seen that.  There is nudity in the city, though.  Hanlan's Point, and the world naked bike ride... special events and places.
Title: Re: Toronto Pride, 2018 version
Post by: Queefer Sutherland on July 23, 2018, 08:29:22 pm
I've never seen that.  There is nudity in the city, though.  Hanlan's Point, and the world naked bike ride... special events and places.

A **** beach I get, it's sectioned off.  A naked bike ride yuck lol, more public.