The first Pride was a riot against Police, started by QTPOC in NYC. Thank you, Marsha P. Johnson. It wasn’t some little white boy like that movie Stonewall tried to convey. That my friends is what you call white-washing our history.
It was a protest started by QTPOC who today are still fighting for our rights.
There has been an effort to silence those from our community who have come forward and shared the experiences they’ve had with CPS.
An effort to protect a relationship with an Institution rather than listen to voices of the community.
Voices like Chief Chaffin, Nenshi, City Council and many, many folks from the LGBTQIA+ community who have taken to FB to share how disappointed they are that CPS cannot wear their uniforms in the parade. Even going as far as to create events where you can show up in whatever uniform you please.
Silencing tactics, which drown out the voices of folks coming forward and sharing their lived experience.
And even though the issue at hand is much larger than just uniforms, here we are.
The conversation with Pride and CPS has been on-going for over a year. We have suggested Anti-Racism training for CPS amongst other recommendations that we released in our statement last year. But thanks to the media, our leaders and a plethora of members of the LGBTQIA+ and Straight community who clearly have not read our statement, the conversation has been derailed and lead to members of the QTPOC community being gas-lighted.
You don’t get to self-appoint yourself as an ally, that right is earned. CPS has not earned that right, no matter how great you think their Diversity Unit is. They are still harming folks from our community. Just because your experience is different than others, don’t make yours the only one.
Being a Police Officer is a job.
Being Gay & Brown is my life.
No one is free while others are oppressed. I thought that’s what community was? Making sure no one gets left behind.
Perhaps that’s only the case if you are not black or brown, yeah?
So yes, Pride is still a protest for some.
Evans Yellow Old Woman
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Contributor Letters to the Editor |
Topic Calgary Police | Calgary Pride | VOICES |
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