RAINBOW News May 2007 Edition
Rainbow Service Organization (RSO) is committed to promoting, advocating, and celebrating the interests of the queer, questioning, lesbian, bisexual, two-spirited, transgender, and gay community since 1993; incorporated not-for-profit February 2007.
May 17, 2007
INTERNATIONAL Day
Against Homophobia
Are people born gay or lesbian?
Sexual orientation is NOT a choice
For the International Day Against Homophobia on May 17, Fondation Émergence is launching its annual awareness campaign. This leads us to ask: Is being gay a question of nature or nurture? So far , science has proven itself incapable of providing a definite answer with some sort of consensus. However, there is agreement on one fact: sexual orientation is not a choice. It's this fact that inspired this year's campaign theme.
When it comes to sexual orientation, it's not rare to hear someone say "I respect your choice." Well no, it's not a choice. It's no more a choice than people's skin or eye color is. The campaign's theme Sexual Orientation is Not a Choice is illustrated through or nurture has no bearing on gays' and lesbians' lives; some day they will discover and become aware of it. In this aspect, they are not different from heterosexuals.
Mr. Laurent McCutcheon, President of Fondation Émergence, said he hopes that " people's realizing that sexual orientation is not a choice will be enough to put an end to homophobia, which is the main goal of this campaign."
Specifically for various outreach workers in the education field, the material for this campaign is intended to be educational. The pamphlets provide a large quantity of information on sexual orientation. Teachers,other professionals, parents and all of society will also find a list of resources and educational tools. The posters and pamphlets, in English and in French, are being distributed in communities and can also be ordered from Fondation Émergence through its website for the May 17 at www.homophobiaday.org.
Remember that May 17 will be the International Day Against Homophobia. We are inviting the media to place this event on their agendas, schools to hold awareness activities , community organizations to set up activities, and public institutions to pass resolutions in support and to fly the rainbow flag proudly.
Canada's Conscience
June Callwood, Casey House Founder and Honourary Director, journalist, author and activist known as " Canada's Conscience", died peacefully in the care of her family and close friends, after a courageous and well-spent life. June Callwood was 82. Casey House mourned for the loss of a dear friend and champion whose vision led to the creation of Casey House as a place of medical excellence, love, and compassion in the care of people with HIV/AIDS.
June Callwood considered Casey House her greatest legacy, and collaborated with the board of directors to create the June Callwood Legacy Fund. This fund will help continue the work begun by June Callwood, and ensure that Casey House meets the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS by continuing to deliver exceptional care. The purpose of this endowed fund is to provide income to enhance and maintain the quality of life for residents in the Hospice and clients in the Casey House Community Programs and to enhance and maintain the home-like environment of the Hospice at 9 Huntley Street.
Donate to the June Callwood Legacy Fund
www.caseyhouse.com
From the RSO Chairperson
Rick Lambert
Well Spring is finally here and RSO is changing and growing. After several years as Chair of RSO, Kevin Forrest has decided to focus on other work. Kevin has been a driving force behind the rebirth of RSO and his ongoing efforts have been greatly appreciated. Kevin will continue to help as a volunteer on the Police Liaison Committee where he has led the dialogue to build a better working relationship with the local force.
RSO has recently become a non-profit corporation. This allows us to move forward in a more stable, responsible and imaginative way. The Board of Directors and volunteers can be assured that they have the protection of liability insurance allowing RSO to responsibly sponsor events. We are also in the process of seeking funds for future programs. I am excited by the folks we have on our Board and their involvement with RSO. You will see an expanded effort to reach out and welcome more volunteers this year as we move forward with new initiatives.
This year we continue the dialogue and planning with the Police Liaison Committee to deal with issues that persist in the community. We are planning some exciting new social events and we are looking forward to another year of involvement with the Pride events this fall. We are also looking forward to working with our partners at Trent (TQC), Fleming (FAQS), PFLAG, PARN and others on efforts, events, and issues of shared interest.
In a word, I think our focus this year is on community. Building community takes time, effort, communication, and a focus on the needs of the many over the few. June Callwood, who recently passed away knew that community is about caring about one another and supporting efforts to bring humanity and dignity to all our lives. I challenge us all to try to evoke some of her spirit in our work this year. Happy Spring!
Running Moose Squad at OutGames
Submitted by Tony Brathwaite
Peterborough was again well represented at the first Nor th American Continental Out Games - Western Cup in Calgary in early April and at the OutRights Conference and OutFest events that preceded it. Rick Lambert, Chairperson of the Rainbow Service Organization (RSO) and David McConkey and Tony Brathwaite, both members of the Youth OutReach Committee of Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association - North America (GLISA NA), are all members of the Peterborough Frontrunners (aka Running Moose Squad) who participated in the OutGames Run held on April 7th.
They were joined in the run by Alvaro Orcozo, a Toronto youth involved with Supporting Our Youth. Alvaro,a young gay man originally from Nicaragua,is seeking asylum in Canada. He was proudly supported and sponsored at the OutRights Conference and OutGames by theYouth OutReach Committee of GLISA NA. For more about Alvaro's story check out http://orangehabitat.com/alvaro/
The Youth OutReach Committee raising over $1,000 locally in support of youth attending the human rights conference and sport events, ensured the inclusion of many young gays. The conference brought together large numbers to listen to speakers such as Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard and founder of the Mathew Shepard Foundation. There were two days of speakers,seminars, and a special youth roundtable discussion.
During the weeklong celebration, there were numerous cultural events including a spoken word festival including former Peterbourogh resident David Bateman, films, and events sponsored by Calgary Outlink – Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity. There was also an opportunity to view 20 Straws - Growing Up Gay produced through the Youth OutReach Video Project in Columbus, Ohio. Arrangements are underway for a showing of the video as a joint venture between RSO and Proud Youth Peterborough.
And how did our local runners do? Well, they all had a great time and have a gold medals for placing in their respective age categories.
Annual General Meeting
Peterborough Public Library Auditorium
Tuesday June 5, 2007—7pm
Speaker: Peter Boullata of the Peterborough Unitarian Fellowship Church
Organization update
Financial Report
Election of RSO Board Directors
Doors open 6.15pm
RSO memberships
Everyone is welcome!
Mothers Against Drunk Driving means never having to say you are sorry!
Submitted by C. William Gunson
For some unfathomable reason, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
(MADD) Canada can't recognize a homophobic public service announcement
(PSA) just by looking at it, and even when one is drawn to their attention, there is no admission that it was a mistake, nor is there an apology issued for being so insensitive to the GBLT community. MADD Canada prefers to think that by quietly removing the offending PSA's enough has been done. What becomes clear is that MADD Canada hopes that by not placing a public apology on its website, they will not have to admit to having breeched their own policy on diversity.
There are two scenarios that have aired on television. One involved the suggestion that two straight young men were rendered temporarily gay with drug use. The second portrayed a young man entering prison having been convicted, ostensibly, of drunk driving. As the young man enters, other inmates behind bars are ogling and leering in a sexual manner.
MADD Canada Executive Director, Andrew Murie, denied any involvement or approval on the part of MADD for the first scenario. The advertising agency which represents MADD claimed all responsibility. In a letter to the Los Angeles Independent July16, 2006, Mr. Murie assures us that MADD has clear policies and mechanisms that ensure no PSA or ad gets to air which would in any way single out, cause offence or marginalize any group. Indeed respecting diversity is a crucial aspect of our work since the issues we seek to address are not limited to one particular section of society."Query: What advertising agency would create a PSA for a client without consultation? Is this the agency that still appears as a corporate donor on MADD Canada's website?. "Curiouser and curiouser,"cried Alice. Query: Assuming for the moment that the advertising agency did conceive and distributethe PSA under the cover of darkest secrecy, why did Mr. Murie not issue an immediate apology and express profound regret for any harm done along with his protestation of complete disassociation? Mea culpa, oh maxima mea culpa!
Mr. Murie's statement on respecting diversity rings hollow. He should have publicly assured those people who wrote protesting the content of the PSA that this would never happen again and then have meant what he said.
Obviously Mr. Murie must have a myopic view of the world around him. He is much in need staff and advisors who can see issues raised that he has not foreseen. Looking at the second scenario in question illustrates the point. Mr. Murie did, according to a staffer at the national office of MADD, sign off on the second PSA and then, after complaints, had it withdrawn. It is absolutely astounding that after the fiasco of the first PSA, he would approve a PSA that uses homophobia as a deterrent to drinking and driving. The scenario deliberately plays to an audience already surrounded by society's homophobia, and ups the ante. This is exactly the kind of PSA that feeds hatred against the GBLT community and results in hideous beatings and deaths such as happened to Matthew Shepherd in Laramie, Wyoming nine years ago. Then there is the other side of the coin. Because gay youths have been subjected to negative stereotypes, they are sometimes overwhelmed with self loathing and commit suicide. If the aim was to make the PSA reach out to the demographic presented in the scenario, there were other choices open to the creators. Why not depict the isolation and separation from peers, friends, and family? Choosing to exacerbate the homophobia already rife in the target demographic makes one wonder if MADD Canada is the best model for teaching youth to look at the consequences of one's action.
When this writer e-mailed Andrew Murie twice about concerns regarding the PSA's, no reply was received. It seemed that silence had become Mr. Murie's mother tongue. Barry Boyce, an executive member of RSO did receive a reply from Mr. Murie that confirmed that the PSA's had been withdrawn. No admission of having made a mistake; no apology. But a strange reply (appears exactly how received) to Barry's concern did come from Kevin Spahich, School Outreach Program Field Representative, Western Canada Region.
Hello there,
I'm not really sure that the ad you speak of is homophobic, however I suppose it's a good point worth considering who it might offend. I've heard of advertisements out there that are really
offensive and homophobic, I just didn't feel that this one was that bad, but I suppose everyone's preception of an advertisement is different. Hopefully you won't find our future ads as shameful.
Thank you for your concern, and support in the past. I appreciate the opportunity to reply to your email.
Regards,
Despite the breezy and seemingly warm reply, the implications of the content are chilling if it reflects MADD Canada's approach to diversity sensitivity. Is one to understand that MADD Canada's policies on respecting diversity are tempered with estimating the degree of marginalization and offence they can cause with their PSA's or ads? If Mr. Spahich is speaking as an individual, then one shudders for any minority in Western Canada's schools approached by him in the delivery of MADD's stated mandate. Mr. Spahich presumably will feel free to insult GBLT youth as long as the slur is not that bad, when gauged by his personal measure, and he can point to really offensive ones elsewhere. No, Mr.Spahich, homophobia is homophobia is homophobia.
MADD Canada has shown an arrogance unparalleled even by some of today's high profile media personalities. They have at least had the decency to apologize for their unconscionable behaviour and publicly accept their lumps. MADD chooses to say nothing, hoping the mistake never needs admission. Just make the PSA's disappear, but admit to nothing. Ignore the special interest groups and if at all possible blame someone else.
It may seem all well and good that the PSA's have been withdrawn, but, once some things are said, the hurt can't be taken back easily ,if at all. Unless one admits to one's errors and vows not to repeat them the cycle continues. And in the immortal words of Lewis Caroll, Mr. Murie, "You can't deny that even if you try with both hands."
As for the politicians approached about this matter, up to now, Senator Marjory Le Breton (MADD National Board of Directors Chairperson) is participating in the conspiracy of silence. Maybe she needs to remember Edmund Burke's caveat: "It is necessary only for the good (man) to do nothing for evil to triumph."
The Value of One. The Power of Many!
Join our winning team as a valued Volunteer. As a Rainbow Service Organization Volunteer you will have fun and be supporting your community.
RSO is on the move and we need a few volunteers to support planned activities such as social events, Pride Week activities, newsletter and board committee work.
Please join our efforts to increase social opportunities, social action, and to celebrate the interests of the Queer, Questioning, Lesbian, Bisexual, Two-Spirited, Transgendered and Gay community. Please contact rso@pipcom.com to join our team.
Affirm United Celebrates 25th Anniversary in Peterborough
Affirm United is a national organization working for justice and full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the United Church of Canada. Affirm United welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people and their families and friends and those who support the aims of Affirm United.
Join us for The Annual Conference of Affirm United. St. Andrew's United Church in Peterborough August 3-6, 2007.
We will gather around the theme "Never Doubt" based on a quotation by Margaret Mead "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world". Our theme facilitator is the Right Reverand David Giuliano, moderator of the United Church of Canada. He will be assisted by Brian Nichols, Jesse Negrepontes and Chris Giffin as we creatively explore 25 years of Affirm United. There will be workshops, worship and music.
This is a conference open to all people of all orientations who are interested in being truly and completely welcoming. Information about the conference is available on the Affrim United website www.affirmunited.ca and from Lyn Miller at jamsbury@nexicom.net or call 705-741-4271.
Breast Health for Lesbian and Bisexual Women
A few months ago the Rainbow Service Organization (RSO) and the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre presented a Breast Health Workshop for Lesbian and Bisexual Women. The workshop was facilitated by Cheryl Dobinson from the Sherbourne Health Centre, Toronto. Following are some of the areas of discussion……..
What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
Having a risk factor does not necessarily mean you will get breast cancer. Some women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors other than being a woman. Risk factors for breast cancer include:
• Being a woman
• Increasing age
• Family history of breast & related cancers
• Previous abnormal breast biopsies
• Radiation to the chest area
• Early menstruation/late menopause
• Hormone replacement therapy for over 5 years
• Not having any biological children or giving birth to first child after age 30
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Being overweight
• Diet low in fruit & vegetables, high in saturated fats
• High alcohol consumption
Are lesbian and bisexual women at higher risk for breast cancer?
Simply being a lesbian or bisexual woman does not put you at higher risk for breast cancer. However, lesbian and bisexual women as a group may have higher rates of some breast cancer risk factors than heterosexual women.
How can you find a lesbian and bisexual positive health care provider?
Ask friends for recommendations
Ask health providers questions such as: "Do you have other gay, lesbian or bisexual patients?" or "Is your staff trained in lesbian and bisexual women's health?"
Check out the waiting room for any lesbian or bisexual symbols or literature
Look for patient forms that use inclusive language, such as "partner"
Websites - Lesbian and Bisexual Specific
Sherbourne Health Centre – www.sherbourne.on.ca
The Lesbians and Breast Cancer Project (Ontario) – http://dawn.thot.net/lbcp/
The Mautner Project for Lesbians with Cancer (US) – www.mautnerproject.org
Cancer in Women Who Have Sex With Women – www.gayhealthchannel.com/wswcancer/
Books – Lesbian and Bisexual Specific
My Breast, My Choice: A photographic and Narrative Journey . Toronto: Sumach Press – Aslin, Maureen; Brown, Barbara; Carey, Betsy (2003).
Coming out of Cancer: Writings from the Lesbian Cancer Epidemic. Seattle: Seal Press – Brownworth, Victoria (Ed.) (2000)
Cancer in Two Voices. San Francisco: Spinsters Book Company – Butler, S. and Rosenblum, B. (1991)
A Burst of Light. New York: Firebrand Books – Lorde, Audre (1988)
The Cancer Journals. San Francisco: Aunt Lute Books – Lorde, Audre (1980)
A Rainbow Service Organization EVENT . . .
Retro Dance Party
Saturday June 16
9pm
Market Hall
Age of Majority Event
25 years of Charter of Rights and Freedoms to Celebrate
Submitted by Rick Lambert
The Constitution Act turned 25 years old in April along with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms which forms Part I of the Act.
In the years since the Constitution was repatriated many court decisions have defined the equality rights expressed in the Charter. Interpretations have paved the way for same-sex couple survivor pension benefits and same-sex marriage legislation.
Miriam Smith is a Trent University political studies professor and winner of the 2006 Bora Laskin Fellowship to study the impact of Charter rights on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) politics. Smith has stated that ”No one has gained more legal recognition from section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms – the section devoted to equality rights – than LGBT Canadians.”
We should be thankful for those who have fought so hard to refine the interpretation of the Charter over the last 25 years. The federal Conservatives have cancelled the Court Challenges Program funding that provided a crucial vehicle over the years for litigation on behalf of the rights of many groups in Canadian society, including women and linguistic minorities, as well as the queer community. You are urged to contact your MP regarding this short-sighted move. Without this funding we have likely seen the last big gains on this legal front and there is still work to be done in the areas such as transgender rights.
Although things are far from perfect, in most cases we can at least be less preoccupied with survival and instead focus on making happy lives for ourselves. We are very lucky in this country to be able to live free from the fear felt by LGBT individuals in many other countries.
The full text of the Constitution Act (1982) can be found online at the website http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/Const/annex_e.html. For more information about LGBT rights check out the Egale [Egale Canada advances equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-identified people, and their families, across Canada] website at http://www.egale.ca .
Youth Drop-In (At PARN – Your Community AIDS Resource Network)
The Rainbow Youth Coalition would like to invite all queer youth (ages 14-25) and their allies to our new drop-in sessions.
Come out hang out with other youth, chat, get information, play games or watch movies.
Upcoming Drop – In Dates
May 10th
May 24th
June 14th
June 28th
July 12th
July 26th
August 9th
August 23rd
Drop-In Sessions will be held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month.
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
At PARN – Your Community AIDS Resource Network
159 King St. Suite 302
Peterborough
For more information please contact Stephanie at PARN at 705-749-9110 /
1-800-361-2895 or preventionworker@parn.ca.
Information on drop-in sessions will also be updated on MySpace at www.myspace.com/rainbowyouthcoalition and also at www.rainbowyouth.ca.