Allies with LGBTQ2S+ People & Issues

Not long ago the Canadian government issued a travel warning to LBGTQ2S+  travellers to the United States given some of the regressive laws being passed in jursidictions to our south. Some here in Canada have woofed that this is an unnecessary and provocative step. Yet when I heard this I thought of an active member of the congregation I served before retiring who was an American. He shared that when he and his husband returned to the States o visit family there were careful to book rooms with twin beds on their route, knowing the prejudices which exist. He knew he could never live there again with a sense of freedom. 

We may feel that here in Canada we are more open and our laws are more progressive. Just the same, there is a gap between what Canadians say about their support and what they do in their daily lives.  

This from Global News: 

While Canadians broadly support LGBTQ2S+ people and issues, they are less likely the engage in behaviours that show true allyship for the community, new polling conducted for Global News has found.

The majority of Canadians – 78 per cent – believe transgender people should be protected from discrimination in employment, housing and access to businesses. Seventy-four per cent believe that same-sex couples should have the same rights to adopt children as straight couples. However, the latest polling, conducted by Ipsos, found only a dismal one-in-10 consider themselves to be an active ally to the queer community.

Where do we become allies to thecommunity? How about our communities of faith? Readers will know that I'm impressed that our congregation, Trenton United is actively supportive of LGBTQ2S+ persons and issues, including taking part in the June Parade and having a Pride in the Park booth. Beyond this we can be mindful of our circles of friends and support within our families for those who are often dealing with prejudices and a lack of acceptance. We are grateful that our Trenton grandchildren attend a Roman Catholic school which embraces its LGBTQ2S+ students and is active in education. 

Should we be smug here in Canada? Nope, but we can be aware and vigilant about being inclusive in our society and everyday lives.