This June, we take the time to recognize and discuss the various movements, struggles, and triumphs which comprise the ongoing efforts of Pride, and the 2SLGBTQ+ community at large. This reflection ought to be not merely a consideration of where we stand now, of what is worthy of celebration or condemnation, but also a look into the history and future of 2SLGBTQ+ rights and acceptance in this country, and around the world.
The Pride movement is rooted in revolution, in protest, and counter-establishment acts of statement and resistance. These acts of resistance have been made necessary by the fact that virtually all societies of the modern era have, until very recently, systematically marginalized, punished, or erased expressions of 2SLGBTQ+ identities and love. Whether under the guise of religious dogma, social standards of ‘acceptability,’ bureaucratic inflexibility, or misappropriated sciences, hate against those representing minority identities or sexualities has been pervasive throughout most of history, across most of the earth.
Exceptions to this have existed, the most relevant example being the far more accepting traditions of the Indigenous populations of the Americas. These traditions provide vital models for a future built on respect and inclusion. However, they do not erase the destructive legacies that shape much of our society. Rather, they offer hope for what a sustainable, equitable future might look like.
In recent years, even just in recent months, we have seen a resurgence of anti-2SLGBTQ+ rhetoric and law from many countries around the world, including Canada, but most significantly from the USA. The oppressive and increasingly aggressive tendencies of this new wave of discrimination are not merely concerning, but an outright affront to the decades-long labour of building up protection, rights, and social acceptance of 2SLGBTQ+ people in the democracies of the world.
There remains cause for gratitude, and celebration, for the leading place of Canada in 2SLGBTQ+ rights, but this new tide provides warning, and reminder, not only that we must work to hold on to the progress we have made, but to continually press on further, to banish the hate and oppression that remains and build a just and welcoming society for all. It must be noted that Canada is the relative bastion of progressive rights and freedoms that it is as a result of decades of protest and activism, proof that this fight can and will yield results. It continues to be our responsibility, on each and every one of us, to speak up when the hateful are brazen and made comfortable enough to exert their malice upon the vulnerable and marginalized. In addition, we must make clear to any and all that this is, and must always be, a country for all people to live without fear of discrimination, cruelty, or violence.
Here on this campus, we will be among the leading voices to press forward the task of 2SLGBTQ+ rights, to represent and defend those who have gone too long without the dignity and respect owed by a just society. The work is not finished, nor will it be for far longer than any of us can say, but it is important that it does not end, and that our resolve does not waver. Be kind, be of aid, lend your voice to grow this message stronger, to build the world every one of us wishes to live in. Take time for yourself, to take joy and pride in your own identity and expression, to appreciate the triumph that is you. And be proud, not merely of who you are, but of the community and country we are a part of, that, for despite all of the shortfalls, failures, and imperfections, we can be said to try each day to be better than the last.
In solidarity
UVSS Board of Directors