Recent postings on social media have caused me as a council member great concern. The reasoning behind the council’s stance on supporting the LGBQT+2S community is to ensure our community is a safe and inclusive place for everyone, without exceptions. If that means making a visual statement for everyone to see and hopefully embrace, then so be it. It’s a hill I will die on. I have seen too much suffering and tragedy in the world by subjecting the LGBQT+2S to our pre-conceived prejudicial idealism. Let me explain.
When I was young in the 60s and 70s, it was commonplace for everyone to bash, isolate, and humiliate people who were or were suspected to be members of that community. That led to horrible isolation, mental health and family dynamics issues, loss of job prospects, possible jail time, and even suicide. They were openly discriminated against and were largely driven underground. Over the following years I discovered that some of my best friends in school were in fact from that community. I felt horrible for what they had to endure from my uneducated , shallow, bigoted behaviour.
In my early years in the military, they were actively sought out by investigative units of the Military Police, and when found out, were summarily dismissed with no recourse. In 1974, during my RCMP basic training, it was common knowledge that if you were a member of that community, you immediately lost your job, again with no recourse. You were outed and became unemployable, simple as that. I clearly recall returning to the barracks at the end of a day’s training to find that one of our troop mates had simply disappeared. His bunk was stripped, and all his gear and personal belongings were gone. He simply disappeared. He had been found out, and in less than 12 hours, he was thrown out of the RCMP. It was a shock to me that it had happened, and from what I remember of the short time I spent with him, he would have made an amazing police officer. I began questioning things then.
Later, as societal norms adjusted and members of the LGBQT community were accepted into the force, there continued to be threats, bullying, and outright physical abuse of those members who had come “out of the closet” and were trying to work in that culture. It was not easy for them. It led to many quitting, having severe emotional and psychological abuse injuries, and outright complex PTSD because of their experiences. I worked alongside many such members and found them to be some of the best police officers I had ever worked with. They understood what it was like to be vilified, humiliated, and abused. They were the best of the best, in my opinion, when it came to being solid police officers. They had been there, and got it!
It’s not about sexual orientation; it’s about an underrepresented voice that needs to be amplified so they can take their proper place in our society, enjoying the same freedoms, inclusion, and opportunities that so many of us take for granted—something that has been denied to them. They deserve to be celebrated and welcomed into our communities.
Every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. It’s a matter of ensuring we take a stand and be very vocal about ensuring equal treatment and protection. Acceptance and support, whether vocal or through visual media, impact the mental health of LGBQT+2S individuals. Discrimination and stigmatization contribute to high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Creating a welcoming and supportive environment improves their mental and emotional well-being.
Embracing LGBQT+2S fosters diversity and inclusivity, enriching our communities with various perspectives and experiences. This enhances creativity, innovation, and problem-solving in various social and professional settings. They have faced a long battle with legal injustices, from the criminalization of their relationships to the denial of basic rights. Supporting this community involves correcting these injustices and ensuring that everyone has the same legal protections and opportunities.
Visible support, such as painted docks, seating, and flag displays, helps provide role models for young people and others struggling with their identity. Representation in media, politics, and everyday life can help normalize LGBQT+2S identities and reduce the stigma.
Inclusive policies and environments can lead to better economic outcomes for everyone. When they are accepted and supported, they thrive economically and socially, contributing to the workforce and stimulating economic growth. This is something that we all want in our community: economic growth. Any support that this council can give pays off in a multitude of ways and is a good investment on behalf of the community.
Supporting their rights encourages broad societal empathy and understanding. It challenges stereotypes and prejudices, fostering a more compassionate and cohesive society. In short, supporting the LGBQT+2S is not about sexual orientation; it is about creating a just society where everyone has the opportunity to live authentically and without fear of discrimination or harm.
Ken Matheson is a councillor for the district of Clearwater
