Dear Brothers & Sisters,
This June, and continuing throughout the summer months, we celebrate the gains of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) peoples during annual Pride celebrations across the Prairies and around the world.
But no victory comes without struggle, and our LGBT brothers and sisters are still fighting an uphill battle for full equality. It was only a few months ago that our government re-added reference to gay rights in the Canadian immigration study guide after Immigration Minister Jason Kenney blocked any reference to it from the previous version.
In 2010 the Harper Conservatives also pulled tourism funding from Toronto Pride under pressure from Charles McVety's right-wing organization, Institute for Canadian Values. And last month violence erupted at a Pride event in Moscow when a gang of right-wing extremists attacked the peaceful LGBT marchers during their annual Pride parade.
It is clear we have a long way to go, but together we can make a commitment to ensure that all LGBT members of our union are respected and protected in the workplace and in society. This summer, please show your solidarity and pride by participating in Pride events in your community.
Saskatoon, SK – June 4, 2011 (www.saskatoonpride.ca)
Winnipeg, MB – June 5, 2011 (www.pridewinnipeg.com)
Brandon, MB – June 10, 2011 (www.serc.mb.ca)
Edmonton, AB – June 10, 2011 (www.edmontonpride.ca)
Regina, SK – June 18, 2011 (www.saskatoonpride.ca/category/regina)
Prince Albert, SK – June 25, 2011 (www.saskatoonpride.ca/category/pa-pride)
Lethbridge, AB – June 26, 2011 (www.lethbridgepridefest.com)
Calgary, AB – September 2, 2011 (www.pridecalgary.ca)
In Solidarity,
Robyn Benson
Regional Executive Vice-President
Public Service Alliance of Canada, Prairies