Real LGBTQ leaders still active in the city
Ienjoy having a conversation with someone. I love hearing from folks who have different opinions, different interests and different lifestyles. Differences are what makes the world go around in both a positive as well as a destructive fashion.
In the extreme, differences are the cause of interpersonal conflict which may lead to homicide as well as wars within countries and between countries.
I love when a person shows passion for an issue.
We have a vibrant LGBT – lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender – community in Prince George. Locally, we even add the letter Q, for queer, to the acronym. Today, the word queer is no longer a derogatory term but simply indicates a “non-normative” individual.
Travis Shaw is not the reason why the movement has grown in such a positive way in Prince George over the last 20 years.
Shaw, also known as Foxy De-Rossi, is known for flaunting that he is a drag queen. Other than that, I am not clear on what exactly he is, nor does it matter to me.
I do have a problem when he is credited as a leader in the local LGBTQ community.
In my mind, that is not what he was. It is now moot since he has recently been convicted of a despicable crime which effectively removes him from any role he may think he has had in the community.
Because of the conviction, I believe he has hurt the movement more than he may have helped in the past.
LGBTQ issues are centered on individual rights. The many individuals and organizations throughout the world promote understanding, acceptance, and equality.
That encompasses discrimination in parenting, relationships, schools, marriage, harassment and bullying, whether in public or at work.
The human rights approach, taken by many activist organizations, includes: access to gender reassignment; protection of school pupils from bullying and harassment; protection of the rights of people using mental health services; promoting the autonomy of people with learning difficulties; protecting the integrity and well-being of LGBTQ families; promoting the rights of LGBTQ seniors; and respect for those who may not be able to assert their wishes.
Travis was definitely and defiantly in people’s faces. I do know men who have respectable day jobs and, occasionally enjoy dressing in drag on their own time.
Are they part of the LGBTQ community? Some are and some are not. They do not flaunt it.
Jo and I have several friends from the LGBTQ community and, like most in the straight world, they do not push their lifestyle on anyone despite what many who fear them seem to think.
The approach to making social change, whether it is slavery, racism, feminism, sexual orientation, harassment, bullying, pay inequality, world peace, globalization, governance, environmentalism and so on, varies.
Too many social change movements tend to rely on conflict and confrontation. It is the in-yourface approach I believe Foxy De-Rossi used.
I feel individuals and organizations are more likely to effect social change with strengthsbased approaches which look for, and focus on, strengths and opportunities.
There are numerous service groups in Prince George and B.C. to support LGBT youths as well as adults who provide valuable volunteer time to assist those facing prejudice.
To me, those are the leaders of the movement for the LGBTQ movement in this city.