Posted by Wayves Volunteer 19/05/13
Marchers listen to speakers at the Rainbow Walk in New Glasgow, organized by Pictou County Centre for Sexual Health on May 17: International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia. Among the attendees were the Hon. Ross Landry, Minister of Justice (and Pictou County MLA), and well known LGBTQ activist, Gerard Vedhoven.
By His Worship, Barrie MacMillan, Mayor of New Glasgow
Good Afternoon Everyone.
Thank you for the opportunity to offer a few remarks during today's Rainbow Walk to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
Distinguished Guests - the Honourable Ross Landry, Minister of Justice and MLA for Pictou Centre; Gerard Veldhoven; Members of the Pictou County Rainbow Community and Representatives of the Centre for Sexual Heath; Municipal Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen:
I would like to first of all commend the organizers and supporters of today's event on their community leadership. It is wonderful to see citizens and organizations inspiring our community to address the issues of homophobia and transphobia and to help us change attitudes and such injustice that we know still occurs. We want New Glasgow to be a community known for its inclusiveness and respect for all - a community that celebrates diversity, a community that nurtures an environment of dignity, integrity, and respect; and a community that does not tolerate discrimination of any kind. The Rainbow Walk makes us part of something grand, something global and something good.
Gender identity and sexual orientation are among the most fundamental of human rights. Homophobia and transphobia continues to be experienced not only in our region, or our province, or country but around the world.
This year's Marathon of Respect and Equality, inspired by the Run Against Racism, chose the theme of Born This Way; the Big Brothers Big Sisters theme for the Bowl for Kids was Strike out Bullying - it is events such as these as well as today's Rainbow Walk and other events that are such tangible and encouraging evidence that this community is indeed ready to change and ready to make a difference.
We have many more miles to walk but the exciting news is that this journey of respect has begun and the destination is in sight.
Esditor's Note: (Source, Town of New Glasgow facebook page)
