THUNDER BAY – Victor Clayton says he’s one of the lucky ones.
Bisexual and transgender, he’s been happily accepted by his synagogue, simply told that God likes to get creative.
Clayton was one of hundreds who took part in Saturday’s Pride March, which drew colourful crowds to Waverly Park before the parade snaked its way down Algoma Street, a sign-waving, flag-bearing group showing pride in who they are and allyship to those in the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
He was thrilled to be able to take part in the event, the culmination of Pride Month.
“I’ve always felt very proud to be practicing Judaism and being transgender,” Clayton said. “I don’t feel they are contradicting each other. I’m very proud of who I am.
“It’s incredible. I just graduated from teacher’s college and I came out to my students on Trans Day of Visibility in both years while I was on my placement and it was incredible to do. That wouldn’t have been possible, even 10 years ago. It’s awesome to see the support of people in the community and from allies. It makes us feel like we’re welcome.”
Sarah Dibiagio, who was carrying a trans rights sign, said it’s wonderful to see the progress that is being made recognizing the rights of the LGBTQIATS+ community, but there’s also danger in becoming complacent.
Progress can be stopped and even pushed backward if haters are given a platform to voice their hatred.
“I think it’s really important that we understand that,” Dibiagio said.
“A lot of times when we see so many people gathered, we end up talking about the progress that we’ve made. I think it’s so important we not become complacent or content with that, because there are still people who are working to make our lives difficult, and in Thunder Bay in particular, make trans folks lives difficult. We can’t just settle.”
Lise Vaugeois, the first openly gay MPP from Thunder Bay, said it’s been a long fight to get to this point, recalling rallies held in 1994, when the Bob Rae government of the day introduced legislation to extend benefits to same-sex couples.
“It was a small, but mighty group of people protesting at that time. When I came out, when I was 16, it was all underground. The fact that we can have a parade like this, a day like this, a month, it does show that we’ve come very far,” Vaugeois said.
“It’s unfortunate there’s a movement to push back. It’s not just a movement against queer people. It’s also pushing back against Muslims and it’s based on fear. It’s a fear that’s not justified. We’re not going to accept fear shaping our lives.”
Robyn Saxberg was on hand to show support and show the community how it can be beautiful together.
It was also a chance to teach a lesson of acceptance to her children.
“I said there are beautiful colours on the flag, just like there are beautiful people in the world. What we’re doing today is going out on a really important walk with a lot of other people who also believe it’s important to show that we can be beautiful together, like the flag,” Saxberg said.
