I Stand With PFLAG

"PFLAG Canada is there when it seems that no one else is."

No matter how long you’ve been out, there is something that everyone learns very quickly in the Queer Community. 

You do NOT mess with PFLAG Moms.

Seriously, because everyone knows that a mom will take anyone to task if they feel their kids are threatened.  But a PFLAG mom, she’s not just one queer kid’s mom.  No, you see in her eyes and in the eyes of the LGBT community she is EVERY queer kid’s mom. 

She has seen what her child has gone through and she NEVER wants to see someone go through that.

So when SOMEONE (see page 5 and 10) attacks PFLAG and its supporters, well it's not just PFLAG's responsibility to stand up to them.   No, these PFLAG Moms were there for us, they are there for us now, they are there for our community and our youth.   We need to stand in solidarity with them and make sure that these people know that we will not stand idly by as they use ignorance and bigotry to blast a politician that they don't like, and the organization she was out supporting.   

PFLAG of Durham Region  has held a Gala fundraiser two years in a row to help support a LGBT youth leadership camp in the summer.  This gala was actually spearheaded by own mother, who wanted to run an elegant fundraiser to get everyone in the community out to support this great cause.  She wanted to stop always hitting up the LGBT community for it's fundraising efforts, as everyone has a responsibility to end bullying and oppression by inspiring and motivating our youth.  

My Mom and I at Toronto Pride 2010

I remember speaking with her about this event, and seeing how excited she was.  It was amazing to see how enthusiastic she was about supporting my community.  I can't tell you how much that meant to me.   To see her enthusiasm quickly rub off on so many others was great to.  She is an inspiring woman, and I am glad that she's my mom. The event turned out to be amazing and I am so glad that Oshawa and Durham region came out to support this amazing cause. 

To be attacked like they were is shameful.  To say that politicians should not be at gay events is shameful.  In fact the whole article just makes me cringe.

So as a member of the LGBT or otherwise Queer community, and a former citizen of Durham region, I stand in solidarity with PFLAG Durham and Councillor Amy England, and the other elected officials in attendance that night, who had a bit of fun for a great cause. I would ask that you do too.