The Editor,

Re: 鈥淭ransphobia and homophobia have no place in 性视界传媒, say organizers of 2nd annual Dyke March,鈥� the Now-Leader online.

It was good to see your coverage of the second annual 性视界传媒 Dyke March. It鈥檚 an important event at an important time. There are very real threats to LGBTQ people in 性视界传媒 right now.

Your reporter noted that 鈥渢here have been several protests at Pride events across Canada in recent months.鈥�

That includes right here in 性视界传媒.

I personally observed a protest against the Pride event outside city hall in June and the protesters were screaming some awful homophobic and transphobic epithets and holding hateful signage. I heard people arriving for Pride saying they did not feel safe 鈥� until they saw the welcoming presence of a counter-protest organized by 性视界传媒 Dyke March organizers that day. The anti-Pride protesters have since appeared at other events locally.

One of the participants in the Aug. 19 Dyke March told your reporter that, 鈥渟ome queer individuals are scared to speak out, so this event provides a safe space for them to express themselves fully.鈥�

This is needed.

The march organizers are to be commended and thanked for their organizing in our city and for working to counter expressions of hate that appear to be getting more vocal again in 性视界传媒.

May even more take part next year.

Dr. Jeff Shantz, 性视界传媒

newsroom@surreynowleader.com
Like us on Follow us on and follow us on