Local communities find hope in new adviser to PM on LGBTQ2 issues

YorkRegion.com
Mov. 28, 2016
Kim Zarzour

Growing up in a small town in Alberta, Randy Boissonnault kept the fact he was gay a secret.

It was the 1970s; if he came out, he was advised, he could kiss his dream of a career in politics goodbye.

Fast forward to 2016 and Boissonnault is now the Liberal MP for Edmonton Centre and Canada’s first special adviser to the prime minister on LGBTQ2 issues.

There’s still a long way to go, he says, but it’s light years from 1998 when he first came out of the closet.

“I was 28 and grieving for what I felt was the loss of my future, what might have been. Would I have family, would I be loved, have a partner? I thought I could never run for office.”

On the contrary, the freedom of being “out,” he discovered, was exhilarating.

“I’d been using 25 to 35 per cent of my mental energy pretending to be something I was not.”

Now, Boissonnault says he can use all his brain power and enthusiasm on his political career and his new mission — promoting equality and addressing historical and current discrimination.

“It is a complete and utter honour. The prime minister has fantastic vision for the country.”

That vision is especially relevant given what is happening south of the border, where the Trump trend is moving in the opposite direction.

Boissonnault says his new role will have three components; coordinating the government’s cross-ministry approach to LGBTQ2 issues, acting as focal point for the community, and shining a light on important issues.

He plans to look at possible training for police, judges and customs officials to prevent discrimination based on sexuality, the issue of Canada’s one-year blood donation ban, and addressing the contentious issue of required pronouns.

His first order of business will be a possible apology and pardon for those convicted under past laws that criminalized homosexual behaviour.

The timeline is still unclear, but Boissonnault says he will soon begin consultations across the country.

“We want to make sure the apology is accepted,” he said. “If we rush it, we’re no further ahead. This government is giving a clear signal we mean business. I’m not interested in process for process sake. This is about how we move together as a society, figuring out how we can unlock the full potential of all people.”

York Region residents will have a chance to weigh in as he launches what he describes as a “deep listen” with local communities.

“We’re looking at different models — going to homes, communities, universities to talk to students as well as faculty involved in research, corporate Canada, unions, social media. We’ll also be learning from other countries that have moved ahead in this area — Germany, Austria (and) Victoria, Australia.”

Gwen Landolt, head of the conservative group REAL Women of Canada, argues against apologizing for past laws that she says were not, in fact, unjust discrimination, but based on legitimate fears about health risks, threats to morale and blackmail in the military and public service.

Boissonnault accepts her differing views as part of democratic life.

“There will be detractors, people who hold to social conservatism. But the majority voted for an inclusive society … I believe it’s fundamental to who we are as Canadians.”

Jacob Gal, spokesperson for York Pride, agrees.

Compared to other communities across Canada, York Region is doing well with respect to LGBTQ issues, he says, but diversity and growth bring their own local challenges.

In some of the region's municipalities, visibility remains an issue, he says. Newmarket and Richmond Hill are more visible and active than others like King, East Gwillimbury and Whitchurch-Stouffville.

Reverend Erin Martin is working to change that in East Gwillimbury, and she believes the new federal advisor will help.

Martin launched a new LGBTQ group — We Are A Safe Place — two months ago at St. James the Apostle Anglican Church in Sharon, after her niece Maggie Woods confided she was being bullied and ostracized.

“When a 12-year-old girl asks you if you can create a safe place for her, you say yes,” Martin says.

“Maggie said she couldn’t hang out at the coffee shop without feeling she had to hide who she was, so we set it up like a little café, and there’s place for them to play PS4 and board games, and just an opportunity to hang out.”

The youth are eager to discern how they can be advocates together and act as a voice to change the world, she says, and they will look to Boissonnault for direction.

“This is not just about getting together and having fun, but solidarity for the kids here and around the world. Especially in light of the negativity in the news, and bigotry and discrimination, to have our prime minister appoint someone to give a voice to marginalized people is amazing and I am just so proud to be in this country.

“It’s just a beginning, but it’s a good beginning.”