I recently participated in a city tour of Toronto run by Peter Odle – a friend and colleague of mine (check out UrbanExpeditions.com). It was fabulous and I saw parts of the city I have never seen before, in addition to learning a lot about the city’s history. (By the way, Peter and I are running an … [Continue reading] “No Homo”…?!
LGBTQ
Action – Part 4 of “How to be an Ally”
Welcome to week 4. Happy Eid to all of our Muslim brothers and sisters! Ramadan ended last night, and today is the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, which means ‘festival to break the fast’. It will continue until Tuesday, June 27th at sundown. And if you’re (also) part of the LGBTQ community in … [Continue reading] Action – Part 4 of “How to be an Ally”
Recognize Privilege – Part 2 of “How to be an Ally”
Welcome to week 2! An ally is someone who supports someone else. In the context of social justice, allies support people and communities who are marginalized, in their struggle for equity, human rights, justice, etc. An ally is not a member of the group they are allied with. Last week, we … [Continue reading] Recognize Privilege – Part 2 of “How to be an Ally”
Day of Pink – April 12
This Wednesday April 12th is Day of Pink – the international day against bullying, discrimination, homophobia, transphobia and transmysogyny. An act of support It didn’t start out meaning to be a day recognized around the world; it started as an act meant to support one person. Jadrien Cota – … [Continue reading] Day of Pink – April 12
Black Lives Matter = Opportunity for Growth
Black Lives Matter Toronto halted to Pride Parade on Sunday to make some demands of Pride Toronto. It’s not the first and won’t be the last of their bold activism. And, as Naila Keleta-Mae writes in her Globe and Mail article, the point is that they make people uncomfortable. Here’s my perspective … [Continue reading] Black Lives Matter = Opportunity for Growth
Mother’s Day – while celebrating inclusion
Thanks to my toddler I've had some interesting conversations with her Daycare teachers recently about being inclusive of all types of families. They are a great daycare and a super team, and don't mean to be exclusive - in fact, they regularly remind the kids if they are fighting over who gets to … [Continue reading] Mother’s Day – while celebrating inclusion
Why Tim Cook’s Coming Out is a Big Deal
Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, just publicly announced that he is gay. While he hasn’t been closeted, per se, he felt it important to publicly acknowledge his sexual orientation. For those of you who wonder why this is a big deal, consider that he is the ONLY CEO in a Fortune 500 company to be out. … [Continue reading] Why Tim Cook’s Coming Out is a Big Deal
Coming out in Sports
Of course this week I have to write about Jason Collins. If you missed it, he is the first gay athlete to come out while playing. He is in the NBA and is now a free agent. His article in Sports Illustrated made me smile. It’s nice to hear someone talk about wanting to be authentic, how sharing more … [Continue reading] Coming out in Sports
The Cost of Exclusion
You may have heard/read about/seen the kafuffel about the transfather who breastfeeds his child and who wanted to be a La Leche League Canada Leader - and who was told "no". La Leche League Canada (LLLC) is an organization that advocates breastfeeding. The "no" was because Trevor McDonald does … [Continue reading] The Cost of Exclusion
The Power of a Name
This week in Ontario, Bill 13 (the Accepting Schools Act) passed. This Bill addresses bullying and includes clear reference to homophobia, biphobia and transphobia as types of bullying. Hooray! Naming is powerful in fighting oppression. One of the aspects of the Bill that has received much … [Continue reading] The Power of a Name