HARRISON – ‘Jim, your comments couldn’t be further from the truth’

A guest editorial today from Todd Hauptman of Kamloops who writes to say:

RADIO NL’s Jim Harrison said in a column this week pride parades are no longer needed. Jim, your comments couldn’t be further from the truth.

Yes, Canada and the world has made incredible progress in recent decades. This progress has meant that I have the legal protections to be who I am. This progress is not finished.

There are places in Vancouver and throughout B.C. that I do not feel comfortable holding my partner’s hands. Small towns still have LGBT youth who are homeless because their families don’t accept them.

The suicide rates are three times higher among LBGT youth. That’s the reality, Jim.
Homophobia and transphobia still exists throughout Canada, even Vancouver and Kamloops.

Pride parades have always been about fighting for equal rights, not different rights.
Pride parades are about promoting acceptance, respect and love. As soon as every LGBT man and woman can walk every street of Canada without concern about their safety, then we might be done.

What makes Canada an incredible country is the freedom and respect that is central to our communities. Jim, you have the right to your view but you don’t have the right to question those fighting to live who they are.

I challenge Jim Harrison to get to know some LGBT friends in Kamloops to learn about their experience. Take some time to learn the challenges they face. Our world is dominated by hate and strife.

Jim, you could have taken the time to learn about another human being’s experience. But you didn’t. My question today is simple. Where’s the love?

Listen to Jim Harrison’s editorials weekdays on Radio NL, and to the Jim Harrison Show at 9:08 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact him at jharrison@radionl.com.