Thursday, August 11, 2011
Anti Sex work - The Queer Cost
As I'm grieving over the loss of an amazing person I never had the pleasure of meeting, it has pulled on some cords in me that have been stretched thin for some time now. This morning I read Donald's note which seemed to me to be mediating the middle ground on the Slut Walk division and watching as the memorial plans for a great woman who left us before we were ready for her to leave unfold.
This is about all that, but more. I didn't know Wendy and I really wish I had, but have talked a lot over the past few years of sustainability of the programs here I've started. Not that I'm planning on leaving anytime soon, but accidents happen. When I was 17 I helped a friend move his Aunt from London to Toronto. On the way home, his mom hit the back of a stopped transport at 100kms/hr killing herself and her son who died on top of me. We just never know when it's time! Wendy is a crushing reminder that our heroes are human, and as such they too pass.
Womyn in London are divided over an issue catalyzed by Slutwalk but that is not where it began. It has been brewing in the background as the right wing mentality crept into our institutions which we thought were sacred. Feminism and Queer have been connected since the dawn of the movement, but that leaves the right shut out of the support business. How does a right wing conservative handle the sexual assault of their child, voila… and sexual assault centres outside of feminism were created in our hospitals. Ironically in the process creating a safe haven for Trans people and Men not in the catchment group of feminist SA centres. There is pot of gold available to those sliding right, and we all know very little of that gold is there for us remaining on the left. The anti-sex work campaigns have stopped short of screaming out of the book of Leviticus, but “Moral decency” replaces the biblical passages. As they misappropriate the corruption found in sex work, flashing images at people that mis-represent the industry as a whole they break down society and the sex workers, past and present themselves.
In the Trans community there are 4 ways to get major surgery you need. You can offer yourself to CAMH’s Gender Identity program in Toronto and be degraded, and humiliated hoping for government funded surgery. You can fund it yourself if you are fortunate enough to have a job/benefits and the financial resources to do so. You can establish enough credit limit to charge your surgery, or you can do sex work. If you happen to be in the 50% of the community making more than $15,000/year you have options. The rest, sex work is the most positive of the choices and for a large number of Trans people the road to their oasis. Hence the connection between the trans community and the sex work community. To be anti sex work is to be anti trans community.
The “Value Women” campaign could be right out of the Conservative’s handbook and the religious organizations like the Salvation Army are all over it with support. It feels to me like selling out, I can get my rights as a woman but I’m going to sacrifice my queer roots to do so. And I’m going to go out and recruit 5 of my friends to sell out too.
I am used to being attacked, publically and privately for my views. We build this thick hide that protects us, and our community that supports us gives us strength. What is so damaging in all this is that the attacks are coming from within. Our soft underbellies are exposed to these allies and they hurt us. We are scrambling as a community to shore up our personal defenses and redefine friend and foe. Sex workers are among us. They are in our families, our friends, and our allies and this attack from within has damaged those relationships and supports leaving us vulnerable and exposed. It is horrible and has to stop! It is devaluing those that are having and have had a positive experience in sex work. Guilt is creeping in and undermining the value in that work as society and community turns against.
When I read Donald’s piece this morning about comparing Slutwalk to Pride Parade, and how some people march and some don’t. I got his meaning. I think he was talking about diversity in our community and how people can express themselves one way or another with no harm no foul. Where I believe the analogy failed is, those people not participating in Pride are not protesting the Pride Parade. The anti-slutwalk, anti-porn, anti-sex work people are protesting, running counter events, programs and conferences dividing the community into Right and Left. AND they are making money off it!
How as a community do we deal with those that do so much good, but now they are also doing so much harm? How do we protect ourselves from our own?
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Divorce: Parent Alienation
Divorce and Parent Alienation
Michelle Boyce
According to Wikipedia, Parental alienation syndrome (abbreviated as PAS) is term coined by Richard A. Gardner in the early 1980s to refer to what he describes as a disorder in which a child, on an ongoing basis, belittles and insults one parent without justification, due to a combination of factors, including indoctrination by the other parent (almost exclusively as part of a child custody dispute) and the child's own attempts to denigrate the target parent. On May 28th & 29th, 2011 in Montreal, Quebec the Canada Canadian Symposium for Parental Alienation Syndrome was held. Seven of the world’s leading experts in a PAS presented. “Any attempt at alienating the children from the other parent should be seen as a direct and willful violation of one of the prime duties of parenthood”, writes J. Michael Bone, one of the presenters.
Craig Schelske has been fighting to have increased parenting time with his children with his ex-wife, country music star and "Dancing with the Stars" contestant Sara Evans. Craig has become an advocate against parent alienation. In his words when you are the target of PAS it is, “Pain beyond anything you could have imagined”.
Brian Ludmer is a Toronto lawyer with 25 years experience in difficult custody cases compares parent alienation with the death of a child, only the child isn’t dead so it is worse. Canadians might not know it Mr. Ludmer says, but parenting is not a human right unlike in the United States. Ludmer says the enforcement of court orders and having a consistent judge working with any file will reduce the opportunity for parents to alienate children. There is no excuse for keeping a child from another parent, unless there is a Children’s Aid order in place, it is a parent’s job to make sure that access happens. Judges need to enforce these orders, with stiff financial penalties and contempt of court. Alienating parents believe that they have truth on their side and that the target parent is bad for the children. Believing that they themselves are the perfect parents not recognizing the harm they are causing their children. Experts all agree that access to both parents is required for a healthy child, but the alienating parent does not and will not recognize this fact.
Although exact statistics are unavailable, it is estimated that in as many as 20% of custody cases there is parent alienation occurring. Some of the telltale signs are the deterioration of an otherwise healthy child parent relationship post separation, children calling their parent by their first name, and being cruel and harsh when speaking of their parent. Even in child abuse situations, children tend not to exhibit these characteristics towards the abusive parent.
Brian Ludmer says we know all these things, but changes in the court system, evaluators and mental health are not moving fast enough to help these families and reduce the long term effects of PAS on children.
Listen to the full podcast on Between the Margins website.
Michelle Boyce
According to Wikipedia, Parental alienation syndrome (abbreviated as PAS) is term coined by Richard A. Gardner in the early 1980s to refer to what he describes as a disorder in which a child, on an ongoing basis, belittles and insults one parent without justification, due to a combination of factors, including indoctrination by the other parent (almost exclusively as part of a child custody dispute) and the child's own attempts to denigrate the target parent. On May 28th & 29th, 2011 in Montreal, Quebec the Canada Canadian Symposium for Parental Alienation Syndrome was held. Seven of the world’s leading experts in a PAS presented. “Any attempt at alienating the children from the other parent should be seen as a direct and willful violation of one of the prime duties of parenthood”, writes J. Michael Bone, one of the presenters.
Craig Schelske has been fighting to have increased parenting time with his children with his ex-wife, country music star and "Dancing with the Stars" contestant Sara Evans. Craig has become an advocate against parent alienation. In his words when you are the target of PAS it is, “Pain beyond anything you could have imagined”.
Brian Ludmer is a Toronto lawyer with 25 years experience in difficult custody cases compares parent alienation with the death of a child, only the child isn’t dead so it is worse. Canadians might not know it Mr. Ludmer says, but parenting is not a human right unlike in the United States. Ludmer says the enforcement of court orders and having a consistent judge working with any file will reduce the opportunity for parents to alienate children. There is no excuse for keeping a child from another parent, unless there is a Children’s Aid order in place, it is a parent’s job to make sure that access happens. Judges need to enforce these orders, with stiff financial penalties and contempt of court. Alienating parents believe that they have truth on their side and that the target parent is bad for the children. Believing that they themselves are the perfect parents not recognizing the harm they are causing their children. Experts all agree that access to both parents is required for a healthy child, but the alienating parent does not and will not recognize this fact.
Although exact statistics are unavailable, it is estimated that in as many as 20% of custody cases there is parent alienation occurring. Some of the telltale signs are the deterioration of an otherwise healthy child parent relationship post separation, children calling their parent by their first name, and being cruel and harsh when speaking of their parent. Even in child abuse situations, children tend not to exhibit these characteristics towards the abusive parent.
Brian Ludmer says we know all these things, but changes in the court system, evaluators and mental health are not moving fast enough to help these families and reduce the long term effects of PAS on children.
Listen to the full podcast on Between the Margins website.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Raising a genderless Child
June 6, 11am Michelle and Deb will be throwing our opinions into the Frey around parents that wish to keep the gender of their child secret from the world and the public outcry that ensues.
Listen to two professional Psychologists Dr. Erik Fisher and Lynda Martens discuss this issue that has gained international attention.
On 94.9 FM in London, Ontario and surrounding area
http://www.chrwradio.com/listen on the net
or podcast after the show on www.betweenthemargins.ca
Listen to two professional Psychologists Dr. Erik Fisher and Lynda Martens discuss this issue that has gained international attention.
On 94.9 FM in London, Ontario and surrounding area
http://www.chrwradio.com/listen on the net
or podcast after the show on www.betweenthemargins.ca
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Top 10 Shows
Here are the TOP 10 Shows listened to as of June 2011
Plays Show
2350 Hate Crimes Show
2118 Trans Show
1834 Trans Women in Women's only space
1811 Paralympic Show
1745 LGBT Parenting Show
1693 HIV/AIDS Show
1386 Un-Chrsistmas Show
1296 First People Show (Aboriginal)
1221 Weight Discrimination Show
1188 LGBT Youth Deaths Show
Catch these shows and many more at www.betweenthemargins.ca
Plays Show
2350 Hate Crimes Show
2118 Trans Show
1834 Trans Women in Women's only space
1811 Paralympic Show
1745 LGBT Parenting Show
1693 HIV/AIDS Show
1386 Un-Chrsistmas Show
1296 First People Show (Aboriginal)
1221 Weight Discrimination Show
1188 LGBT Youth Deaths Show
Catch these shows and many more at www.betweenthemargins.ca
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Dear Canadian Business Owners and Politicians,
Bill C-389 is up for vote on February 7th in the House of Commons. While some have labeled it the bathroom bill, others about common decency and obvious Canadian values. Here is a different way of looking at it.
I am a Diversity trainer and work with companies getting themselves out of hot water when they violate the Human Rights Code. Companies deny access to a woman entering the woman’s washroom, and they find themselves subject to a huge financial loss due to Human Rights action on the part of that woman. This happens to men as well, but I’ll focus on the woman.
How this happens is that the employer/service provider doesn’t see TRANS or Gender Identity/Gender Expression listed as a protected ground under the Human Rights Code but it is there. They don’t understand the complexities of one community protected by two different grounds under the code. Trans people already have the RIGHT to use the washroom. They already have the RIGHT to demand their employer or service provider accommodate them. Bill C-389 is not giving anyone any rights or freedoms that don’t already exist! What it is doing is making it visible.
Why is visibility important? Because it protects everyone on both sides of the equation. We hear a lot from the Trans people regarding the advantages that it affords them, but the silent side is how it helps business owners and average Canadians stay out of trouble. By making Gender Identity/Gender Expression visible, business owners can understand how it applies to them.
For example there was a story in the news a few years ago where Casino Rama denied access to the woman’s washroom to an identified woman. She was a trans person, identified as a woman which under Canadian law makes her a legal woman regardless of any surgeries she may or may not of had to conform her body to social standards. Security stopped her and asked her to use the private handicapped washroom because a patron had complained. This simple action caused a Human Rights complaint to be initiated by the woman. If Casino Rama had been properly trained, and had seen the rules clearly written they could have avoided this scenario completely and protected themselves from defending against an expensive Human Rights complaint. Answer: Simply escort the complaining individual to a safe and secure private handicapped washroom where they can feel safe and secure. No violation has occurred, and everyone is happy. Simple knowledge and visibility of the rules protect companies from making mistakes.
This is completely irrelevant if you agree or disagree with the above paragraph. There are many laws in this country that I do not agree with, but knowing they are there protects me from violating them and landing myself in hot water.
Bill C-389 protects companies from erroneously violating the Human Rights Code, as well as all those great things it does for trans people themselves.
Michelle Boyce
Diversity Trainer and Radio Host for “Between the Margins” on CHRW
www.diversitytrainglive.com
www.betweenthemargins.ca
Bill C-389 is up for vote on February 7th in the House of Commons. While some have labeled it the bathroom bill, others about common decency and obvious Canadian values. Here is a different way of looking at it.
I am a Diversity trainer and work with companies getting themselves out of hot water when they violate the Human Rights Code. Companies deny access to a woman entering the woman’s washroom, and they find themselves subject to a huge financial loss due to Human Rights action on the part of that woman. This happens to men as well, but I’ll focus on the woman.
How this happens is that the employer/service provider doesn’t see TRANS or Gender Identity/Gender Expression listed as a protected ground under the Human Rights Code but it is there. They don’t understand the complexities of one community protected by two different grounds under the code. Trans people already have the RIGHT to use the washroom. They already have the RIGHT to demand their employer or service provider accommodate them. Bill C-389 is not giving anyone any rights or freedoms that don’t already exist! What it is doing is making it visible.
Why is visibility important? Because it protects everyone on both sides of the equation. We hear a lot from the Trans people regarding the advantages that it affords them, but the silent side is how it helps business owners and average Canadians stay out of trouble. By making Gender Identity/Gender Expression visible, business owners can understand how it applies to them.
For example there was a story in the news a few years ago where Casino Rama denied access to the woman’s washroom to an identified woman. She was a trans person, identified as a woman which under Canadian law makes her a legal woman regardless of any surgeries she may or may not of had to conform her body to social standards. Security stopped her and asked her to use the private handicapped washroom because a patron had complained. This simple action caused a Human Rights complaint to be initiated by the woman. If Casino Rama had been properly trained, and had seen the rules clearly written they could have avoided this scenario completely and protected themselves from defending against an expensive Human Rights complaint. Answer: Simply escort the complaining individual to a safe and secure private handicapped washroom where they can feel safe and secure. No violation has occurred, and everyone is happy. Simple knowledge and visibility of the rules protect companies from making mistakes.
This is completely irrelevant if you agree or disagree with the above paragraph. There are many laws in this country that I do not agree with, but knowing they are there protects me from violating them and landing myself in hot water.
Bill C-389 protects companies from erroneously violating the Human Rights Code, as well as all those great things it does for trans people themselves.
Michelle Boyce
Diversity Trainer and Radio Host for “Between the Margins” on CHRW
www.diversitytrainglive.com
www.betweenthemargins.ca
Friday, November 19, 2010
NAAFA Press Release:Wrong Turn in Arizona!
For Immediate Release
November 18, 2010
Oakland, CA – NAAFA strongly urges the Unified School District of Flagstaff, AZ to reconsider stigmatizing the entire student segment of the Arizona population they have determined to be overweight or obese or at risk of becoming so.
By sending letters targeted at specific individuals and families, the Flagstaff's medical community are moving down a path that will create an atmosphere of fear and self-loathing. These letters contain dire warnings that the current generation of children will be the first generation in history to have a shorter life span than their parents. This position is not supported by statistical evidence and goes against US government statistics. The Unified School District of Flagstaff approach is short-sighted and will have negative long term efforts for all concerned.
The Academy of Eating Disorders (AED) has developed extensive guidelines for Childhood Obesity Prevention programs. Some of those recommendations include:
-Avoiding using the language of overweight and obesity as this promotes weight-based stigma. Measures should be taken to not use language with implicit or explicit anti-fat messages, `like fat is bad' or fat people eat too much.'
-Interventions should provide diversity training for parents, teachers and school staff for the purpose of recognizing and addressing weight stigma, decreasing weight based bullying and harassment
-Representatives from that community should be included in any planning process to ensure that interventions are sensitive to cultural norms, traditions and practices
-Interventions should have an integrated approach that addresses a variety of factors, encouraging mindful eating, increasing activity and including promotion of self-esteem, and respect for body diversity
NAAFA supports the AED guidelines, as well as the Health at Every SizeSM (HAESSM) tenets which promote that healthy habits are good for EVERYONE, no matter what their size.
NAAFA urges the Flagstaff Unified School District to embrace a HAESSM approach as well as adopt some the AED's guidelines and not target one group of children in a way that objectifies them and makes them the targets of more harassment and bullying.
Founded in 1969, NAAFA is a non-profit civil rights organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for fat people. NAAFA works to eliminate discrimination based on body size and provide fat people with the tools for self-empowerment through public education, advocacy, and member support.
On the web: http://www.naafa.org
For more information contact:
Peggy Howell, Public Relations Director, NAAFA
email: naafa_pr@yahoo.com phone: (707)246-6116
November 18, 2010
Oakland, CA – NAAFA strongly urges the Unified School District of Flagstaff, AZ to reconsider stigmatizing the entire student segment of the Arizona population they have determined to be overweight or obese or at risk of becoming so.
By sending letters targeted at specific individuals and families, the Flagstaff's medical community are moving down a path that will create an atmosphere of fear and self-loathing. These letters contain dire warnings that the current generation of children will be the first generation in history to have a shorter life span than their parents. This position is not supported by statistical evidence and goes against US government statistics. The Unified School District of Flagstaff approach is short-sighted and will have negative long term efforts for all concerned.
The Academy of Eating Disorders (AED) has developed extensive guidelines for Childhood Obesity Prevention programs. Some of those recommendations include:
-Avoiding using the language of overweight and obesity as this promotes weight-based stigma. Measures should be taken to not use language with implicit or explicit anti-fat messages, `like fat is bad' or fat people eat too much.'
-Interventions should provide diversity training for parents, teachers and school staff for the purpose of recognizing and addressing weight stigma, decreasing weight based bullying and harassment
-Representatives from that community should be included in any planning process to ensure that interventions are sensitive to cultural norms, traditions and practices
-Interventions should have an integrated approach that addresses a variety of factors, encouraging mindful eating, increasing activity and including promotion of self-esteem, and respect for body diversity
NAAFA supports the AED guidelines, as well as the Health at Every SizeSM (HAESSM) tenets which promote that healthy habits are good for EVERYONE, no matter what their size.
NAAFA urges the Flagstaff Unified School District to embrace a HAESSM approach as well as adopt some the AED's guidelines and not target one group of children in a way that objectifies them and makes them the targets of more harassment and bullying.
Founded in 1969, NAAFA is a non-profit civil rights organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for fat people. NAAFA works to eliminate discrimination based on body size and provide fat people with the tools for self-empowerment through public education, advocacy, and member support.
On the web: http://www.naafa.org
For more information contact:
Peggy Howell, Public Relations Director, NAAFA
email: naafa_pr@yahoo.com phone: (707)246-6116
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
LGBT Youth Death Resources
Hi Everyone,
Here are the resources listed in the show and a few others.
Trans PULSE www.transpulse.ca
Suicide Prevention Resource Center www.sprc.org
Alphabet Community Centre www.acclondon.com
For trans support in London www.tgstation.com/london
Open Closet LGBT Youth support group http://www.aidslondon.com/pdf/Open%20Closet.pdf
Other London Support Services
Addiction Services of Thames Valley 673-3242
London Abused Women's Centre 432-2204
Sexual Assault Centre London 439-0844
24 Hour Crisis Line 438-2272
Changing Ways - family violence control for men 438-9869
Family Service London 433-0183
AIDS Committee of London 434-1601
London Health Science Centre - South Street Campus 685-8500
Association for the Elimination of Hate 661-5266
Open Closet 434-1601
Hate Crime Hotline 642-1900
LGBT Youth Line 1-888-687-9688
Here are the resources listed in the show and a few others.
Trans PULSE www.transpulse.ca
Suicide Prevention Resource Center www.sprc.org
Alphabet Community Centre www.acclondon.com
For trans support in London www.tgstation.com/london
Open Closet LGBT Youth support group http://www.aidslondon.com/pdf/Open%20Closet.pdf
Other London Support Services
Addiction Services of Thames Valley 673-3242
London Abused Women's Centre 432-2204
Sexual Assault Centre London 439-0844
24 Hour Crisis Line 438-2272
Changing Ways - family violence control for men 438-9869
Family Service London 433-0183
AIDS Committee of London 434-1601
London Health Science Centre - South Street Campus 685-8500
Association for the Elimination of Hate 661-5266
Open Closet 434-1601
Hate Crime Hotline 642-1900
LGBT Youth Line 1-888-687-9688
Friday, October 8, 2010
Big Wait World Premiere Stratford Oct 16
I understand that that the doctor shortage situation is getting critical locally in your area and that some of your nearby ER's are closing. Thought you might be interested in seeing our documentary film "The Big Wait" which looks at the doctor shortage in Canada over a four year filming period. It will have it's film festival World Premiere in Stratford Ontario, next week, Saturday October 16.
The PAIRO physician recruitment event for underserviced communities in Ontario and town of Midland Ontario's recruitment team efforts for physician recruitment are featured in the documentary. It also depicts the fascinating journey of three different foreign trained doctors as they work towards becoming licensed to practise medicine in Canada.
We would love to have local folks who are interested in doctor shortages and the issues faced by rural and smaller communities at the Statford screening. Could you please be so kind as to forward this notice to any of your colleagues in the health care profession and the local media you think might interested in the issues explored in the film. The screening will be followed by a lively discussion.
If the date and location is not good for you, please note the will also be screening in Ottawa later in the month. Details in our below. If you are interested in seeing the film screened at relevant conferences, or for the public in your area, please get in touch. More details on our website www.thebigwait.com . Thank you.
Joanne Jackson, Executive Producer
BRILLIANT RED MEDIA, Office: 905-428-9891, Mobile: 416-801-1118
contact@thebigwait.com
The PAIRO physician recruitment event for underserviced communities in Ontario and town of Midland Ontario's recruitment team efforts for physician recruitment are featured in the documentary. It also depicts the fascinating journey of three different foreign trained doctors as they work towards becoming licensed to practise medicine in Canada.
We would love to have local folks who are interested in doctor shortages and the issues faced by rural and smaller communities at the Statford screening. Could you please be so kind as to forward this notice to any of your colleagues in the health care profession and the local media you think might interested in the issues explored in the film. The screening will be followed by a lively discussion.
If the date and location is not good for you, please note the will also be screening in Ottawa later in the month. Details in our below. If you are interested in seeing the film screened at relevant conferences, or for the public in your area, please get in touch. More details on our website www.thebigwait.com . Thank you.
Joanne Jackson, Executive Producer
BRILLIANT RED MEDIA, Office: 905-428-9891, Mobile: 416-801-1118
contact@thebigwait.com
Thursday, September 30, 2010
International Day of Peace
International Day of Peace is a day brought into the light of day by the efforts of Jerremy Gilley, whos tireless campaign has made this day a reality.
The goal: 3 Billion people celebrating Peace Day by 2012
More details and order the video at wwww.peaceoneday.org
From Wikipedia:
The International Day of Peace, also known as the World Peace Day, occurs annually on September 21. It is dedicated to peace, or specifically the absence of war, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone. It is observed by many nations, political groups, military groups, and peoples. The first year this holiday was celebrated was 1981. To inaugurate the day, the "Peace Bell" is rung at UN Headquarters. The bell is cast from coins donated by children from all continents. It was given as a gift by the Diet of Japan, and is referred to as "a reminder of the human cost of war." The inscription on its side reads: "Long live absolute world peace."
http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/
http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/
The goal: 3 Billion people celebrating Peace Day by 2012
More details and order the video at wwww.peaceoneday.org
From Wikipedia:
The International Day of Peace, also known as the World Peace Day, occurs annually on September 21. It is dedicated to peace, or specifically the absence of war, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone. It is observed by many nations, political groups, military groups, and peoples. The first year this holiday was celebrated was 1981. To inaugurate the day, the "Peace Bell" is rung at UN Headquarters. The bell is cast from coins donated by children from all continents. It was given as a gift by the Diet of Japan, and is referred to as "a reminder of the human cost of war." The inscription on its side reads: "Long live absolute world peace."
http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/
http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/
Monday, March 15, 2010
R.H.V.P. and Hate Crimes Follow Up
**Our thanks to Ashleigh, from F-Words, who was our acting producer for this show**
Today's show was a follow-up to the Rally for Peaceful Communities, held on October 7th, 2009, resulting from two highly publicized hate crimes in the City of London that occurred last September.
Highlights from the Rally included an address from Mayor Anne Marie Decicco-Best and from Deputy Chief of the London Police Department, Brad Duncan.
"And I don't want my London, or your London, to be a place where someone is walking down the street and needs to look over their shoulder. I don't want our London to be a place where people are afraid to be in their neighbourhood or in a place of business. The acts of violence that we've seen in particular over the last couple of weeks, but that I would say at any time, are reprehensible, they are appauling, and they are unacceptable," says Decicco-Best.
"And it's been our commitment and our mandate as a police service to work with our community and our council, but I think it's broader than that - to work with the community at large, in making sure that we understand we all have a role to play if we want London to be the best and safest city anywhere," she continued.
Deputy Police Chief Brad Duncan reiterated the mayor's sentiments.
"As the Mayor has indicated, the London Police service is committed to providing a safe, and secure community for all our citizens. A community that is supportive of everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, cultural background, or sexual orientation....streets where individuals and couples can walk freely - free from harassment and violence; free to work, live and play in our city. We will not tolerate violence in any form, perpetrated against those who have done nothing wrong, and targeted by those who prey on someone simply because of who they are."
"I commit to you, that anyone who becomes a victim of violence, will be treated with compassion and understanding. We will investigate and charge persons who engage in hate crimes, ensuring that our victims are protected and the offender is brought before the courts."
As per Duncan, the LPD investigates approximately 30 hate-motivated crimes a year in London - of those reported cases, over 30% involve a member of the LGBT community.
Marcel Marcellan, Diversity Officer of the LPD, shared some initiatives the police department prepared in response to this commitment.
"My message to you tonight," began Marcel, "Is that we are not only listening, but we are doing something."
The initiatives presented included: an education and awareness campaign with the assistance of community partners, plans to host a hate crimes community conference at the police headquarters - to discuss solutions to the problem of under reporting (particularly in the LGBT community), producing outreach materials (pamphlets and brochures) to raise awareness of the issue, goals of strengthening and supporting available resources (community services, victim services, help lines and support groups), and to host a presentation at the police headquarters on the R.H.V.P. (Report Homophobic Violence Period) program.
Six months post-rally, Marcel joined us once again to share with our audience what has been accomplished in terms of those initiatives, and those changes that have been implemented to encourage hate crime reporting, and promote the LPD as a safe and supportive resource to those who have been the victim of a hate-motivated incident or crime.
He informed us that the LPD has been working alongside the HBT (Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia) Working group, to prepare for the launch of the RHVP (Report Homophobic Violence Period) program on May 17th, 2010 - the International Day Against Homophobia.
The RHVP program (a successful initiative from Toronto) encourages the reporting of 'hate-motivated crimes' and 'hate incidents', both named and anonymously.
Hate incidents were defined by the program as events that occurred that did not involve a criminal offence. Examples of 'hate incidents' included things like name calling and verbal attacks. These events are important to record and track, as there is definitive progression in hate-motivated acts: it begins with name-calling, and if consequences are not received, escalates to slurs, harassment, discrimination, and eventually violence.
In an information session provided by the LPD, regarding the RHVP program, the importance of reporting, both crimes and incidents, was stressed. Without people like Erik Rozenski stepping forward, both to police and society in general, we are all unaware that the issue truly exists, is such a significant problem, and requires resources to be dedicated to its prevention and handling.
And it IS a significant issue. In a survey taken by Pride London, 28% of the LGBT population have been the victim of a violent, hate motivated attack (double that of NY State). Of those who were victims, 22% failed to report.
A percentage of those who don't report, refuse to seek medical attention for their sustained injuries. This also means they fail to receive the proper counselling and support to deal with the psychological impact of such an event.
"It's so much more traumatic than any other type of victimization," Constable Thomas Decker, the LGBT Liaison of the Toronto Police Service, stated in the RHVP information session.
A regular offence tends to target an individual or group based upon random occurrence, or is motivated by monetary value - otherwise 'what they have.'
Hate motivated offences target individuals or groups, with intention and motivation based on, specifically 'who they are' - attacking the very core of their being.
"What is very, very frightening, when it comes to hate crimes, against the [LGBT] community," says Decker, "Is that 56.3% of those crimes are violent crimes. They are the most violent ones and they are all against the person."
Dan Pugh, chair of the HBT working group, also noted that that this was not simply an LGBT issue. Heterosexual people, who are perceived to be gay, are also finding themselves subject to homophobia - in both schools, and society.
Erik agreed, referencing an incident that had been brought to his attention after he spoke out about his attack - he told the story of a woman had been assaulted by two men who thought she was a gay male, until they tore off her shirt and saw she was wearing a bra.
Stuart Thompson, writing for The Gazette, also penned an article speaking to his experience as a straight male experiencing homophobia on Richmond Row, in London.
Such incidents and attacks affect more than just the individual involved, Constable Decker noted.
"...you as a community, now, are infuriated, you are hurt and you are afraid. You don't trust. So it has a destabilizing factor in society at large. Other vulnerable communities also will be more alert. Because...if there are people out there who go and randomly bash LGBT folks - well, what is there to prevent these group of people to target members of the Black community, of the Asian community, of the Jewish or Muslim community. So other groups are impacted as well."
This impact was felt again on November 8, 2009, a month after the Rally for Peaceful Communities, in which a hate-motivated crime was committed against a 52-year old Muslim woman. After entering an elevator, she was assaulted by a man who stabbed her in the arm with an object, then forcibly removed her head covering and destroyed it.
In Constable Decker's opinion, "...the most shocking statistical evidence that we have, is that hate crimes are a youth phenomenon. And that's frightening. If you think that, Canada wide, the [2006] report of Stats Canada - the Justice Statistics and Profile series....over half of the victims of hate crimes are between the ages of 12 and 24. Canada wide. And over 2/3 of all people accused of a commission of a hate crime in Canada are between the ages of 12 and 24. Our educational facilities - our Schools, our Colleges, our Universities, are the second most likely place for a hate crime to occur."
Due to the rise in prejudicial violence and bullying in education institutions, the Ministry of Education has implimented a curriculum change, introducing diversity education as early as Grade 4. The hope is to stop the behaviours that are leading to issues of violence and harassment in secondary and post-secondary institutions.
While the upheld commitments of the City and Police Services have been a positive step forward, Erik (and the LGBT community) are still reeling from the final sentencing of Michael Gordon, the young man who attacked Erik and his boyfriend as they walked down a street, holding hands, on their way home after a birthday celebration.
Their attacker, and another unknown assailant, called the pair 'faggots' and made inappropriate sexual comments as they passed. Then, without warning, the two men attacked the couple from behind, knocking Eric to the ground and continually assaulting him. Erik's then-boyfriend managed to call 9-1-1 from a cell phone, scaring the attackers off.
Gordon was apprehended and charged with assault.
In Canada's Criminal Code, there are no specific charges relating to hate crimes. Hate motivation is merely a sentencing recommendation - once a conviction is secured, and hate motivation is sufficiently proven, the judge must take it into consideration when determining the final sentence.
Unfortunately, conviction with sentencing considering hate motivation, is rare - due to something Decker described as the 'attrition funnel'.
The attrition funnel is like an upside down triangle, with the criminal event at the top, and the conviction at the bottom. As the crime trickles down through the judicial system, there are factors that can prevent a hate crime from reaching the final sentencing stage.
Hate crimes can be lost if the first officers on the scene are not properly trained, hold personal bias, or fails to ask the right questions - the event may not be seen as hate motivated or evidence may be dismissed.
"...they haven't received much in the ways of hate crimes training and they attend a bar fight. And during the investigation someone says, 'well, yeah, they were calling this guy a fag, too' - OK? Well, that [officer] may think, 'well, there was alcohol involved and it's just a common swear word anyway. So, there's no big deal about it.' And that officer is not going to investigate this any further."
These crimes can also be lost through administration errors. If filed reports aren't properly flagged as a hate motivated occurrence, they will not be recognized as such by the commanding officers, or handed to the division responsible for investigating the crime.
The police services can also lose when it's determined that it's 'just easier to charge for something else,' as there is no specific hate crimes charge.
The biggest loss of hate crime convictions tend to occur in the plea bargaining stage of prosecution. To avoid costly and time-consuming trials, the accused will be convicted of a lesser sentence. More often that not, the hate motivation is the first condition to be dropped when negotiating a plea.
And lastly, if a hate motivated crime does make it to sentencing, it can be lost based on the subjectivity of the judge.
Such was the case in regards to Erik Rozenski's attack, which has the LGBT community reeling.
Ontario Justice John Getliffe, handed Gordon a two year suspended sentence with probation and supervisory conditions for 4 months. The terms of his probation include: to abstain from consuming alcohol or entering a licensed bar that serves alcohol, to continue to attend anger management and seek professional counselling, to be banned from any London/Middlesex establishment that is deemed to be of GLBTQ patronage, to provide a letter of apology, repayment in the sum of $140 for replacement of Erik's bloodstained jacket, and Gordon cannot attend or enter any establishment that is Erik's home, work, or educational institution.
The prosecution was seeking 60 days in jail, 12-months probation with most of the former conditions, and that Gordon have community service working with the LGBT community as a form of sensitivity training.
Getliffe refused to hear victim impact statements, and justified the weak sentence by stating that there was insufficient evidence to be sentenced as a hate-motivated attack, that the defendant was intoxicated to the point of no recollection, and that 'it did not seem in Gordon's character to make homophobic remarks.'
Rozenski disagrees, relating that Gordon's mother addressed him with an anti-gay slur during proceedings.
-------------------------
Dan Pugh responded to the decision by issuing the following press release from the HBT working group:
An Issue of Deep Concern for our Community!
(London, ON) In response to the recent news concerning the sentencing of Michael Gordon, who assaulted Erik Rozenski on September 27, 2009, the London Homophobia-Biphobia-Transphobia (HBT) Working Group would like to make several statements:
First, it is most unfortunate that the sentence neither included nor referred to the assault as one that was motivated by hate, particularly as Gordon is reported to have used a homophobic epithet during the assault. Negative homophobic slurs like “faggot”, “dyke” and “queer” clearly represent oppression, harassment and discrimination and should be recognized as such. It is critical that we treat homophobic, biphobic and transphobic incidents seriously and reflect this not only in terms of community responses (rallies, reporting mechanisms, programming, training, outreach), but also in terms of the legal process through hate crime designations (evidence permitting) and sentencing.
Second, if the assault was in no way motivated by hate – as suggested by the Judge’s decision not to designate the incident as a hate crime prior to sentencing - why does part of Gordon’s probation involve staying away from LGBT identified locations throughout our city? If Gordon’s actions were not motivated by hate, then he should – in theory – pose no further threat to members of LGBTT2Q communities, which would make a requirement to avoid LGBTT2Q establishments irrelevant. Yet, there appears to be a contradiction between the case verdict and the sentence conditions that suggests Gordon may still pose a risk to LGBTT2Q community members. How are we, as a community, to make sense of this?
Third, the statement that implies Gordon’s intoxication and inability to recall the events of September 27 somehow absolves him of any responsibility for targeting a community member based on their sexual orientation seems irresponsible at best. What about taking responsibility for one’s actions? Being excused of violent, negligent, or ill-advised behaviour because we’ve had too many drinks establishes a problematic precedent with potentially horrific consequences for all cases involving alcohol consumption, including those that involve impaired driving charges, for example. If a driver who is under the influence of alcohol injures a pedestrian but cannot remember the incident because they were intoxicated, are they somehow less responsible for causing bodily harm?
Fourth, we cannot overstate the importance of reporting hate motivated activity. Homophobic incidents can - and do- happen frequently. The entire community needs to understand that if hate-motivated crimes go unreported, it is impossible to adequately support survivors and create positive change. If you experience or witness a hate-motivated incident, call the Hate Helpline (519-951-1584) and contact the Hate/Youth Crime Unit at the London Police Service; a third city-wide reporting option called the “Report Homophobic Violence Prevention Period” campaign will soon be introduced by the HBT Working Group and the London Police Service.
The HBT Working Group is a community-wide collaborative that both responds to and advocates against all forms of social and institutional homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia and hate-motivated violence in our community. The members of the working group meet on a regular basis to share information, access support, and organize two annual community events to recognize the International Day Against Homophobia (May 17) and Trans Remembrance Day (November 20).
Contact Information:
Daniel Pugh, Chair
On behalf of London HBT Working Group
519-434-1601 x 230
www.hatehurts.ca
Today's show was a follow-up to the Rally for Peaceful Communities, held on October 7th, 2009, resulting from two highly publicized hate crimes in the City of London that occurred last September.
Highlights from the Rally included an address from Mayor Anne Marie Decicco-Best and from Deputy Chief of the London Police Department, Brad Duncan.
"And I don't want my London, or your London, to be a place where someone is walking down the street and needs to look over their shoulder. I don't want our London to be a place where people are afraid to be in their neighbourhood or in a place of business. The acts of violence that we've seen in particular over the last couple of weeks, but that I would say at any time, are reprehensible, they are appauling, and they are unacceptable," says Decicco-Best.
"And it's been our commitment and our mandate as a police service to work with our community and our council, but I think it's broader than that - to work with the community at large, in making sure that we understand we all have a role to play if we want London to be the best and safest city anywhere," she continued.
Deputy Police Chief Brad Duncan reiterated the mayor's sentiments.
"As the Mayor has indicated, the London Police service is committed to providing a safe, and secure community for all our citizens. A community that is supportive of everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, cultural background, or sexual orientation....streets where individuals and couples can walk freely - free from harassment and violence; free to work, live and play in our city. We will not tolerate violence in any form, perpetrated against those who have done nothing wrong, and targeted by those who prey on someone simply because of who they are."
"I commit to you, that anyone who becomes a victim of violence, will be treated with compassion and understanding. We will investigate and charge persons who engage in hate crimes, ensuring that our victims are protected and the offender is brought before the courts."
As per Duncan, the LPD investigates approximately 30 hate-motivated crimes a year in London - of those reported cases, over 30% involve a member of the LGBT community.
Marcel Marcellan, Diversity Officer of the LPD, shared some initiatives the police department prepared in response to this commitment.
"My message to you tonight," began Marcel, "Is that we are not only listening, but we are doing something."
The initiatives presented included: an education and awareness campaign with the assistance of community partners, plans to host a hate crimes community conference at the police headquarters - to discuss solutions to the problem of under reporting (particularly in the LGBT community), producing outreach materials (pamphlets and brochures) to raise awareness of the issue, goals of strengthening and supporting available resources (community services, victim services, help lines and support groups), and to host a presentation at the police headquarters on the R.H.V.P. (Report Homophobic Violence Period) program.
Six months post-rally, Marcel joined us once again to share with our audience what has been accomplished in terms of those initiatives, and those changes that have been implemented to encourage hate crime reporting, and promote the LPD as a safe and supportive resource to those who have been the victim of a hate-motivated incident or crime.
He informed us that the LPD has been working alongside the HBT (Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia) Working group, to prepare for the launch of the RHVP (Report Homophobic Violence Period) program on May 17th, 2010 - the International Day Against Homophobia.
The RHVP program (a successful initiative from Toronto) encourages the reporting of 'hate-motivated crimes' and 'hate incidents', both named and anonymously.
Hate incidents were defined by the program as events that occurred that did not involve a criminal offence. Examples of 'hate incidents' included things like name calling and verbal attacks. These events are important to record and track, as there is definitive progression in hate-motivated acts: it begins with name-calling, and if consequences are not received, escalates to slurs, harassment, discrimination, and eventually violence.
In an information session provided by the LPD, regarding the RHVP program, the importance of reporting, both crimes and incidents, was stressed. Without people like Erik Rozenski stepping forward, both to police and society in general, we are all unaware that the issue truly exists, is such a significant problem, and requires resources to be dedicated to its prevention and handling.
And it IS a significant issue. In a survey taken by Pride London, 28% of the LGBT population have been the victim of a violent, hate motivated attack (double that of NY State). Of those who were victims, 22% failed to report.
A percentage of those who don't report, refuse to seek medical attention for their sustained injuries. This also means they fail to receive the proper counselling and support to deal with the psychological impact of such an event.
"It's so much more traumatic than any other type of victimization," Constable Thomas Decker, the LGBT Liaison of the Toronto Police Service, stated in the RHVP information session.
A regular offence tends to target an individual or group based upon random occurrence, or is motivated by monetary value - otherwise 'what they have.'
Hate motivated offences target individuals or groups, with intention and motivation based on, specifically 'who they are' - attacking the very core of their being.
"What is very, very frightening, when it comes to hate crimes, against the [LGBT] community," says Decker, "Is that 56.3% of those crimes are violent crimes. They are the most violent ones and they are all against the person."
Dan Pugh, chair of the HBT working group, also noted that that this was not simply an LGBT issue. Heterosexual people, who are perceived to be gay, are also finding themselves subject to homophobia - in both schools, and society.
Erik agreed, referencing an incident that had been brought to his attention after he spoke out about his attack - he told the story of a woman had been assaulted by two men who thought she was a gay male, until they tore off her shirt and saw she was wearing a bra.
Stuart Thompson, writing for The Gazette, also penned an article speaking to his experience as a straight male experiencing homophobia on Richmond Row, in London.
Such incidents and attacks affect more than just the individual involved, Constable Decker noted.
"...you as a community, now, are infuriated, you are hurt and you are afraid. You don't trust. So it has a destabilizing factor in society at large. Other vulnerable communities also will be more alert. Because...if there are people out there who go and randomly bash LGBT folks - well, what is there to prevent these group of people to target members of the Black community, of the Asian community, of the Jewish or Muslim community. So other groups are impacted as well."
This impact was felt again on November 8, 2009, a month after the Rally for Peaceful Communities, in which a hate-motivated crime was committed against a 52-year old Muslim woman. After entering an elevator, she was assaulted by a man who stabbed her in the arm with an object, then forcibly removed her head covering and destroyed it.
In Constable Decker's opinion, "...the most shocking statistical evidence that we have, is that hate crimes are a youth phenomenon. And that's frightening. If you think that, Canada wide, the [2006] report of Stats Canada - the Justice Statistics and Profile series....over half of the victims of hate crimes are between the ages of 12 and 24. Canada wide. And over 2/3 of all people accused of a commission of a hate crime in Canada are between the ages of 12 and 24. Our educational facilities - our Schools, our Colleges, our Universities, are the second most likely place for a hate crime to occur."
Due to the rise in prejudicial violence and bullying in education institutions, the Ministry of Education has implimented a curriculum change, introducing diversity education as early as Grade 4. The hope is to stop the behaviours that are leading to issues of violence and harassment in secondary and post-secondary institutions.
While the upheld commitments of the City and Police Services have been a positive step forward, Erik (and the LGBT community) are still reeling from the final sentencing of Michael Gordon, the young man who attacked Erik and his boyfriend as they walked down a street, holding hands, on their way home after a birthday celebration.
Their attacker, and another unknown assailant, called the pair 'faggots' and made inappropriate sexual comments as they passed. Then, without warning, the two men attacked the couple from behind, knocking Eric to the ground and continually assaulting him. Erik's then-boyfriend managed to call 9-1-1 from a cell phone, scaring the attackers off.
Gordon was apprehended and charged with assault.
In Canada's Criminal Code, there are no specific charges relating to hate crimes. Hate motivation is merely a sentencing recommendation - once a conviction is secured, and hate motivation is sufficiently proven, the judge must take it into consideration when determining the final sentence.
Unfortunately, conviction with sentencing considering hate motivation, is rare - due to something Decker described as the 'attrition funnel'.
The attrition funnel is like an upside down triangle, with the criminal event at the top, and the conviction at the bottom. As the crime trickles down through the judicial system, there are factors that can prevent a hate crime from reaching the final sentencing stage.
Hate crimes can be lost if the first officers on the scene are not properly trained, hold personal bias, or fails to ask the right questions - the event may not be seen as hate motivated or evidence may be dismissed.
"...they haven't received much in the ways of hate crimes training and they attend a bar fight. And during the investigation someone says, 'well, yeah, they were calling this guy a fag, too' - OK? Well, that [officer] may think, 'well, there was alcohol involved and it's just a common swear word anyway. So, there's no big deal about it.' And that officer is not going to investigate this any further."
These crimes can also be lost through administration errors. If filed reports aren't properly flagged as a hate motivated occurrence, they will not be recognized as such by the commanding officers, or handed to the division responsible for investigating the crime.
The police services can also lose when it's determined that it's 'just easier to charge for something else,' as there is no specific hate crimes charge.
The biggest loss of hate crime convictions tend to occur in the plea bargaining stage of prosecution. To avoid costly and time-consuming trials, the accused will be convicted of a lesser sentence. More often that not, the hate motivation is the first condition to be dropped when negotiating a plea.
And lastly, if a hate motivated crime does make it to sentencing, it can be lost based on the subjectivity of the judge.
Such was the case in regards to Erik Rozenski's attack, which has the LGBT community reeling.
Ontario Justice John Getliffe, handed Gordon a two year suspended sentence with probation and supervisory conditions for 4 months. The terms of his probation include: to abstain from consuming alcohol or entering a licensed bar that serves alcohol, to continue to attend anger management and seek professional counselling, to be banned from any London/Middlesex establishment that is deemed to be of GLBTQ patronage, to provide a letter of apology, repayment in the sum of $140 for replacement of Erik's bloodstained jacket, and Gordon cannot attend or enter any establishment that is Erik's home, work, or educational institution.
The prosecution was seeking 60 days in jail, 12-months probation with most of the former conditions, and that Gordon have community service working with the LGBT community as a form of sensitivity training.
Getliffe refused to hear victim impact statements, and justified the weak sentence by stating that there was insufficient evidence to be sentenced as a hate-motivated attack, that the defendant was intoxicated to the point of no recollection, and that 'it did not seem in Gordon's character to make homophobic remarks.'
Rozenski disagrees, relating that Gordon's mother addressed him with an anti-gay slur during proceedings.
-------------------------
Dan Pugh responded to the decision by issuing the following press release from the HBT working group:
An Issue of Deep Concern for our Community!
(London, ON) In response to the recent news concerning the sentencing of Michael Gordon, who assaulted Erik Rozenski on September 27, 2009, the London Homophobia-Biphobia-Transphobia (HBT) Working Group would like to make several statements:
First, it is most unfortunate that the sentence neither included nor referred to the assault as one that was motivated by hate, particularly as Gordon is reported to have used a homophobic epithet during the assault. Negative homophobic slurs like “faggot”, “dyke” and “queer” clearly represent oppression, harassment and discrimination and should be recognized as such. It is critical that we treat homophobic, biphobic and transphobic incidents seriously and reflect this not only in terms of community responses (rallies, reporting mechanisms, programming, training, outreach), but also in terms of the legal process through hate crime designations (evidence permitting) and sentencing.
Second, if the assault was in no way motivated by hate – as suggested by the Judge’s decision not to designate the incident as a hate crime prior to sentencing - why does part of Gordon’s probation involve staying away from LGBT identified locations throughout our city? If Gordon’s actions were not motivated by hate, then he should – in theory – pose no further threat to members of LGBTT2Q communities, which would make a requirement to avoid LGBTT2Q establishments irrelevant. Yet, there appears to be a contradiction between the case verdict and the sentence conditions that suggests Gordon may still pose a risk to LGBTT2Q community members. How are we, as a community, to make sense of this?
Third, the statement that implies Gordon’s intoxication and inability to recall the events of September 27 somehow absolves him of any responsibility for targeting a community member based on their sexual orientation seems irresponsible at best. What about taking responsibility for one’s actions? Being excused of violent, negligent, or ill-advised behaviour because we’ve had too many drinks establishes a problematic precedent with potentially horrific consequences for all cases involving alcohol consumption, including those that involve impaired driving charges, for example. If a driver who is under the influence of alcohol injures a pedestrian but cannot remember the incident because they were intoxicated, are they somehow less responsible for causing bodily harm?
Fourth, we cannot overstate the importance of reporting hate motivated activity. Homophobic incidents can - and do- happen frequently. The entire community needs to understand that if hate-motivated crimes go unreported, it is impossible to adequately support survivors and create positive change. If you experience or witness a hate-motivated incident, call the Hate Helpline (519-951-1584) and contact the Hate/Youth Crime Unit at the London Police Service; a third city-wide reporting option called the “Report Homophobic Violence Prevention Period” campaign will soon be introduced by the HBT Working Group and the London Police Service.
The HBT Working Group is a community-wide collaborative that both responds to and advocates against all forms of social and institutional homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia and hate-motivated violence in our community. The members of the working group meet on a regular basis to share information, access support, and organize two annual community events to recognize the International Day Against Homophobia (May 17) and Trans Remembrance Day (November 20).
Contact Information:
Daniel Pugh, Chair
On behalf of London HBT Working Group
519-434-1601 x 230
www.hatehurts.ca
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Sue Kenney and the Women's Lifestyle Show
Former guest Sue Kenney (the El Camino), will be speaking at the Women's Lifestyle Show in London, ON on March 6th, from 12:30pm to 1:30pm.
Although there is no fee to hear her speak, general admission to the W.L.S. is $10.
For more information on this event, click HERE.
Although there is no fee to hear her speak, general admission to the W.L.S. is $10.
For more information on this event, click HERE.
Monday, March 1, 2010
'Juicy' and 'Squishy' Show
On our March 1st show, about Weight Discrimination, follows in the wake of the media frenzy surrounding Kevin Smith and Southwest Airlines.
Over the Valentine's Day weekend, famed writer and director Kevin Smith was removed from his flight for being 'too fat' - and after bringing public attention to this incident, he received an apology from Southwest Airlines and was given a seat on a replacement flight; however, when the woman seated next to him was subjected to the same humiliating experience, Silent Bob became 'Not So Silent Bob'.
This brought a backlash from the media, and from members of society, who considered Kevin's weight, health and lifestyle to become the subject of criticism, proving that one's size is still considered the last 'socially acceptable' grounds of prejudice, discrimination and hate.
When it comes to obesity and being overweight, the filters of acceptability seem to fall away. People seem comfortable making comments, criticisms, and derogatory comments that degrade and insult a fellow human being, eroding away their confidence and attacking their sense of self.
To examine this issue further, we brought in four wonderful guests to talk about weight discrimination, the rights of people of size, and 'fat advocacy'.
Our first guest, Jill Andrew, a PhD student and a self-proclaimed 'fat activist' since the age of 15, joined us to talk about her experience working within a variety of projects in Toronto, such as: Precious Bodies/Priceless Minds, The Curvy Catwalk, and BITE ME!
Precious Bodies, Priceless Minds is a full day summit targeted at youth between the ages of 12-19 to discuss societal issues surrounding the exclusion of people of size, and issues that impact weight.
"...while this series runs with girls now exclusively, we are looking to branch off into including young men into that conversation because, quite frankly, weight discrimination - while it is somewhat gendered towards girls - we are seeing a huge increase in men starting to talk out."
She notes that men are also held to unreasonable image standards, and being judged based on bald heads and expanding waistlines.
The Curvy Catwalk is an annual plus sized fundraising fashion show, that celebrates up and coming Canadian designers while demonstrating that one can be "female, fat and fabulous."
This event traditionally raises money for Sheena's Place a non-federally funded organization that provides a safe space and support for those who have (or survived) an eating disorder, their friends, family and allies.
BITE ME! is Toronto's first International body image arts and film festival.
"Scheduled for March 2010, BITE ME! will explore through arts how body image is nuanced by race, class, gender, physical ability as well as sexual orientation. All too often, the discussion surrounding body image in mainstream and academic circles revolves exclusively around weight gain or loss—in short, a very Western conversation."
Jill continued the conversation by discussing how media images and messages affect youth, particularly in the typecasting of overweight women in roles such as 'the best friend' and the 'non-love interest' of the protagonist.
"Quite frankly, it gets me sick to my stomach when I see how people, particularly young people, are treated because of their weight or because of issues of difference."
Additionally, she expressed her opinion that shows like 'The Biggest Loser' are detrimental to overweight people, as they provide an unrealistic view of the struggles of weight loss, and provide a subtle jab as members who do not lose enough weight are berated by their teammates and voted off the program. This mentality, that fat people need to be 'fixed' to fit into a thin world, sends a negative message to society - that if one can't succeed in losing all their weight, they are a failure.
This, she agreed, can lead to the devastating backlash of eating disorders, as overweight people try to chase the perfect body image to confirm to society's expectations and help them avoid the discrimination and harassment they endure.
We were also joined by Associate Professor Anna Kirkland, from the University of Michigan, who is the author of Fat Rights: Dilemma and Difference of Personhood.
She posed that while we may think of weight discrimination in terms of publicized incidents like Kevin Smith's, her research determined something society often fails to realize - the large number of overweight individuals that censor themselves and pre-emptively remove themselves from public spaces in fear of encountering that harassment, discrimination, or humiliation.
She made reference to Mark Roehling, Associate Professor at Michigan State University, who co-researched a study that determined that women (particularly highly educated, Caucasian women) who are overweight often earn as much as 30% LESS than their thin counterparts, further contributing to the 'glass ceiling' effect, and likewise, leading toward the potential of creating a glass ceiling for obese men.
And while classifying weight as a disability may assist in gaining accommodations for people of size, advocates are reluctant to accept that inclusion due to the social stigmas already in place for those who are labelled as having a disability.
Weight, in both the US and Canada, is not yet a protected ground under Human Rights law.
In speaking about the variety of environmental factors that can affect weight, Michelle referenced a research study published online in December of 2009, that found connections between obesity and genetics, proving that CNVs (copy number variants) can cause metabolic diseases like obesity. The how may lie in deletions in chromosome 16.
"The missing segment of chromosome 16 holds nine genes, including one, known as SH2B1, that scientists had already fingered as a possible culprit in obesity. Mice lacking the gene become extremely fat and develop insulin resistance, a feature of obesity and diabetes in which cells become less responsive to insulin. SH2B1 is a key intermediary that enables insulin and leptin, a hormone that helps set appetite, to transmit their messages to cells."
Yet, despite growing scientific proof that eating habits and lifestyle are only contributing factor in the determination of one's body weight, and that 70-80% of your weight is inherited (about the same as height), obesity is still regarded much like a viral infection.
"What people are saying is, 'look, it can't be genetic because you can't have a genetic epidemic.' ....why are we calling it an epidemic? I mean, an epidemic implies some...really drastic, deadly thing that is happening on a really wide scale....the weight gain is that we've experienced as a population is a pretty moderate rise for millions and millions of people - and then the heaviest people putting on even more weight than that." (Anna Kirkland)
Additionally, more and more medications are interfering with the body's metabolic rate and can lead to weight gain as a side effect. Should societal pressure to be thin overrule the benefits of treating conditions (like depression, or cancer) that may have fatal consequences?
Peggy Howell, Public Relations Director for NAAFA (National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance), also 'weighed in' on the issue.
In a sobering moment of perspective, she referenced a study released by Yale University in 2008 that put discrimination by weight on par with that of gender, and of race.
"So it really is a very serious issue that affects fat people in many issues of our lives, such as: in the workplace, in healthcare, and even on the streets. Discrimination from family and friends as well; sometimes by well meaning people but not always appropriately informed."
Dr. Linda Bacon, a member of NAAFA and a research scientist in this area of expertise, has touched upon the concept of 'thin privilege' (much like 'male privilege') - a growing phenomenon that sees certain privileges afforded to [one group] of people.
A cited example was the issue of healthcare. If a thin person goes to a doctor complaining about symptoms, they are examined, diagnosed and treated for those symptoms; however, a person of size may go to the doctor with the same symptoms and be told, "Lose some weight first and then come back to see me."
"Another example is the airline seat situation where, although airlines claim to be concerned with the comfort and safety of all their passengers, I would say that they are only concerned with the comfort and safety of their passengers under 5'10" and weigh less than 160 pounds."
Southwest's Airlines policy on seating is that a person must be able to fit comfortably in an airline seat, with both arm rests down, or they will be required to purchase a second seat.
Peggy's concern with such policies is the fact that they are arbitrarily left up to the discretion of individual employees, who use subjective means to determine who qualifies for a single or double fare. If the employee responsible is fat-phobic, or considers anyone above their own weight to be 'fat', they may be more stringent in their judgement - which can lead to disaster. If the flyer cannot afford the second seat, they cannot fly (even if they made it to their destination) and may be stranded.
Society is pushing so hard to force overweight and obese people into the 'thin world', that we are overlooking matters of simple courtesy and common sense. Not that fitting into a down-sizing world is easy, despite the myriad of programs and products claiming a fast, easy fix.
As Jill pointed out in her interview, we have access to all these diets and fitness programs that we can utilize until the weight is gone - but what then? Maintaining weight loss is a difficult task, that requires a lot of time, energy, and resources.
Peggy also raised concerns with the medical profession pushing pharmaceutical and surgical remedies to 'solve' the problem of obesity, without having the proper information on nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits. Those areas are left to specialists, that many average people do not have access to.
"Would you expect an automobile mechanic to not understand anything about the fuel that it takes to run that automobile? Or the oil that needs to go in to lubricate it? I would never take my car to be fixed by someone who doesn't know ALL there is to know about it. So how is it that doctors can look at our bodies and make decisions about what we need to do, or not to do - they don't have the knowledge that they need about what constitutes good nutrition. What kind of fuel our bodies need to have, really, to be healthy....Instead of focusing on weight, why not on good health?"
Three scientific studies (one from the US CDC, one from Canada, and one from Japan) all support the same conclusion: people who are between 25-30 BMI (overweight) who follow good health practices, are the healthiest group - faring better than those with a BMI under 25. Essentially, it isn't what you weigh, but how you live - simply because you are thin, doesn't make you healthy.
So why are these studies being ignored? Because there are too many multi-million dollar industries that have sprung up in the last twenty years, that profit off of people's dissatisfaction with their weight.
And sometimes, profit on our inability to meet the standards of a thin world.
Such was the case of our last guest, Natalie, who was introduced to the public eye through Kevin Smith's Smodcast.
During the Valentine's Day weekend, she was flying from Boise, Idaho to Burbank, California, with one connection. Even though she has flown on Southwest Airlines regularly without issue, and made the first leg of her connection without problem, all that changed when she arrived at her stop in Oakland.
Despite being small enough to fit comfortably between the armrests of an airline seat, Natalie was humiliated by staff of the airline, as she was publicly removed from the flight and informed that they considered her too fat to fly.
"They just put me on parade and I felt every eye on me...I just wanted to cry, or get off that flight and away from anybody."
Fortunately for her, after the traumatic ordeal was over, she confided her embarrassment to the sympathetic man sitting next to her, who had also suffered a similar incident. That man was the famous writer and director, Kevin Smith.
In her interview, Natalie only reiterated the sad reality that Anna found in her research - that due to the reactions of people in our society, and the thin-dominated areas in public spaces, overweight people pre-emptively take measures to avoid these situations or censor themselves.
"Just being a big girl in general, you kind-of try to plan ahead everything and make sure that you're not going to disturb somebody - because you don't want to bring attention to yourself. And for me, being plus sized, knowing I'm going to be in a small area...I'm going to cuddle as close as I can to that window because I don't want to touch the person - because they already have the pre-judgement that, 'oh my gosh...I'm going to be squished sitting beside somebody that's larger.' So, I try to make it as comfortable as I can for anyone, because I don't want to cause problems for [them]."
Through this experience, she learned that this type of incident occurs far too frequently for far too many people, not surprising as 2/3rds of the American population is considered overweight or obese.
In speaking out she hopes to bring attention to the treatment to people of size, so that more people are not subjected to such an experience. Regardless of size, shape or height, we are all customers of a company that offers a service and should be treated with the same respect that position should demand.
Her advice, to other people of size, is to speak out to businesses pre-emptively. Write letters and be vocal about boycotting services, rather than doing it silently. Let them know that services should be accommodating the customers, not asking the customers to accommodate them - particularly if the customers are expected to pay for it.
Following the topic of airline seating, Michelle made comparison to the policies instituted by airlines in the U.S. and our own country's mandated 'one person, one fare' policy. Canada's policy determined that one person can only pay one fare, but if a second seat is required (for an aide, or to accommodate a disability or a person of size) the airline must provide the second seat and absorb the cost of the ticket. This practice is believed to cost Canadian airlines approximately 44 cents on every ticket.
For the record, the average airline seat is 17" wide - approximately the size of your computer keyboard.
A quick comparison of how airlines in the US handle this issue versus how Canadian airlines do, reveals some surprising contradictions.
Airlines in the US demand that their customers are to pay fares for two seats, unless they can prove they AREN'T fat enough to warrant a second seat. Canadian airlines demand customers prove they ARE fat enough to warrant a second seat.
Airlines in the US require a person to be able to sit in a seat with both arm rests down, to be allowed to fly on a single fare - armrests must remain down at all times. Canadian airlines offer adjustable armrests and removable armrests for the comfort and convenience of customers flying on a single fare.
Airlines in the US defend the two fare policy by stating that it is all a matter of safety. Canadian airlines are operating just as safely, with accommodations being made where needed.
"It's all about the money, honey. Just follow the money," notes Peggy.
Over the Valentine's Day weekend, famed writer and director Kevin Smith was removed from his flight for being 'too fat' - and after bringing public attention to this incident, he received an apology from Southwest Airlines and was given a seat on a replacement flight; however, when the woman seated next to him was subjected to the same humiliating experience, Silent Bob became 'Not So Silent Bob'.
This brought a backlash from the media, and from members of society, who considered Kevin's weight, health and lifestyle to become the subject of criticism, proving that one's size is still considered the last 'socially acceptable' grounds of prejudice, discrimination and hate.
When it comes to obesity and being overweight, the filters of acceptability seem to fall away. People seem comfortable making comments, criticisms, and derogatory comments that degrade and insult a fellow human being, eroding away their confidence and attacking their sense of self.
To examine this issue further, we brought in four wonderful guests to talk about weight discrimination, the rights of people of size, and 'fat advocacy'.
Our first guest, Jill Andrew, a PhD student and a self-proclaimed 'fat activist' since the age of 15, joined us to talk about her experience working within a variety of projects in Toronto, such as: Precious Bodies/Priceless Minds, The Curvy Catwalk, and BITE ME!
Precious Bodies, Priceless Minds is a full day summit targeted at youth between the ages of 12-19 to discuss societal issues surrounding the exclusion of people of size, and issues that impact weight.
"...while this series runs with girls now exclusively, we are looking to branch off into including young men into that conversation because, quite frankly, weight discrimination - while it is somewhat gendered towards girls - we are seeing a huge increase in men starting to talk out."
She notes that men are also held to unreasonable image standards, and being judged based on bald heads and expanding waistlines.
The Curvy Catwalk is an annual plus sized fundraising fashion show, that celebrates up and coming Canadian designers while demonstrating that one can be "female, fat and fabulous."
This event traditionally raises money for Sheena's Place a non-federally funded organization that provides a safe space and support for those who have (or survived) an eating disorder, their friends, family and allies.
BITE ME! is Toronto's first International body image arts and film festival.
"Scheduled for March 2010, BITE ME! will explore through arts how body image is nuanced by race, class, gender, physical ability as well as sexual orientation. All too often, the discussion surrounding body image in mainstream and academic circles revolves exclusively around weight gain or loss—in short, a very Western conversation."
Jill continued the conversation by discussing how media images and messages affect youth, particularly in the typecasting of overweight women in roles such as 'the best friend' and the 'non-love interest' of the protagonist.
"Quite frankly, it gets me sick to my stomach when I see how people, particularly young people, are treated because of their weight or because of issues of difference."
Additionally, she expressed her opinion that shows like 'The Biggest Loser' are detrimental to overweight people, as they provide an unrealistic view of the struggles of weight loss, and provide a subtle jab as members who do not lose enough weight are berated by their teammates and voted off the program. This mentality, that fat people need to be 'fixed' to fit into a thin world, sends a negative message to society - that if one can't succeed in losing all their weight, they are a failure.
This, she agreed, can lead to the devastating backlash of eating disorders, as overweight people try to chase the perfect body image to confirm to society's expectations and help them avoid the discrimination and harassment they endure.
We were also joined by Associate Professor Anna Kirkland, from the University of Michigan, who is the author of Fat Rights: Dilemma and Difference of Personhood.
She posed that while we may think of weight discrimination in terms of publicized incidents like Kevin Smith's, her research determined something society often fails to realize - the large number of overweight individuals that censor themselves and pre-emptively remove themselves from public spaces in fear of encountering that harassment, discrimination, or humiliation.
She made reference to Mark Roehling, Associate Professor at Michigan State University, who co-researched a study that determined that women (particularly highly educated, Caucasian women) who are overweight often earn as much as 30% LESS than their thin counterparts, further contributing to the 'glass ceiling' effect, and likewise, leading toward the potential of creating a glass ceiling for obese men.
And while classifying weight as a disability may assist in gaining accommodations for people of size, advocates are reluctant to accept that inclusion due to the social stigmas already in place for those who are labelled as having a disability.
Weight, in both the US and Canada, is not yet a protected ground under Human Rights law.
In speaking about the variety of environmental factors that can affect weight, Michelle referenced a research study published online in December of 2009, that found connections between obesity and genetics, proving that CNVs (copy number variants) can cause metabolic diseases like obesity. The how may lie in deletions in chromosome 16.
"The missing segment of chromosome 16 holds nine genes, including one, known as SH2B1, that scientists had already fingered as a possible culprit in obesity. Mice lacking the gene become extremely fat and develop insulin resistance, a feature of obesity and diabetes in which cells become less responsive to insulin. SH2B1 is a key intermediary that enables insulin and leptin, a hormone that helps set appetite, to transmit their messages to cells."
Yet, despite growing scientific proof that eating habits and lifestyle are only contributing factor in the determination of one's body weight, and that 70-80% of your weight is inherited (about the same as height), obesity is still regarded much like a viral infection.
"What people are saying is, 'look, it can't be genetic because you can't have a genetic epidemic.' ....why are we calling it an epidemic? I mean, an epidemic implies some...really drastic, deadly thing that is happening on a really wide scale....the weight gain is that we've experienced as a population is a pretty moderate rise for millions and millions of people - and then the heaviest people putting on even more weight than that." (Anna Kirkland)
Additionally, more and more medications are interfering with the body's metabolic rate and can lead to weight gain as a side effect. Should societal pressure to be thin overrule the benefits of treating conditions (like depression, or cancer) that may have fatal consequences?
Peggy Howell, Public Relations Director for NAAFA (National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance), also 'weighed in' on the issue.
In a sobering moment of perspective, she referenced a study released by Yale University in 2008 that put discrimination by weight on par with that of gender, and of race.
"So it really is a very serious issue that affects fat people in many issues of our lives, such as: in the workplace, in healthcare, and even on the streets. Discrimination from family and friends as well; sometimes by well meaning people but not always appropriately informed."
Dr. Linda Bacon, a member of NAAFA and a research scientist in this area of expertise, has touched upon the concept of 'thin privilege' (much like 'male privilege') - a growing phenomenon that sees certain privileges afforded to [one group] of people.
A cited example was the issue of healthcare. If a thin person goes to a doctor complaining about symptoms, they are examined, diagnosed and treated for those symptoms; however, a person of size may go to the doctor with the same symptoms and be told, "Lose some weight first and then come back to see me."
"Another example is the airline seat situation where, although airlines claim to be concerned with the comfort and safety of all their passengers, I would say that they are only concerned with the comfort and safety of their passengers under 5'10" and weigh less than 160 pounds."
Southwest's Airlines policy on seating is that a person must be able to fit comfortably in an airline seat, with both arm rests down, or they will be required to purchase a second seat.
Peggy's concern with such policies is the fact that they are arbitrarily left up to the discretion of individual employees, who use subjective means to determine who qualifies for a single or double fare. If the employee responsible is fat-phobic, or considers anyone above their own weight to be 'fat', they may be more stringent in their judgement - which can lead to disaster. If the flyer cannot afford the second seat, they cannot fly (even if they made it to their destination) and may be stranded.
Society is pushing so hard to force overweight and obese people into the 'thin world', that we are overlooking matters of simple courtesy and common sense. Not that fitting into a down-sizing world is easy, despite the myriad of programs and products claiming a fast, easy fix.
As Jill pointed out in her interview, we have access to all these diets and fitness programs that we can utilize until the weight is gone - but what then? Maintaining weight loss is a difficult task, that requires a lot of time, energy, and resources.
Peggy also raised concerns with the medical profession pushing pharmaceutical and surgical remedies to 'solve' the problem of obesity, without having the proper information on nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits. Those areas are left to specialists, that many average people do not have access to.
"Would you expect an automobile mechanic to not understand anything about the fuel that it takes to run that automobile? Or the oil that needs to go in to lubricate it? I would never take my car to be fixed by someone who doesn't know ALL there is to know about it. So how is it that doctors can look at our bodies and make decisions about what we need to do, or not to do - they don't have the knowledge that they need about what constitutes good nutrition. What kind of fuel our bodies need to have, really, to be healthy....Instead of focusing on weight, why not on good health?"
Three scientific studies (one from the US CDC, one from Canada, and one from Japan) all support the same conclusion: people who are between 25-30 BMI (overweight) who follow good health practices, are the healthiest group - faring better than those with a BMI under 25. Essentially, it isn't what you weigh, but how you live - simply because you are thin, doesn't make you healthy.
So why are these studies being ignored? Because there are too many multi-million dollar industries that have sprung up in the last twenty years, that profit off of people's dissatisfaction with their weight.
And sometimes, profit on our inability to meet the standards of a thin world.
Such was the case of our last guest, Natalie, who was introduced to the public eye through Kevin Smith's Smodcast.
During the Valentine's Day weekend, she was flying from Boise, Idaho to Burbank, California, with one connection. Even though she has flown on Southwest Airlines regularly without issue, and made the first leg of her connection without problem, all that changed when she arrived at her stop in Oakland.
Despite being small enough to fit comfortably between the armrests of an airline seat, Natalie was humiliated by staff of the airline, as she was publicly removed from the flight and informed that they considered her too fat to fly.
"They just put me on parade and I felt every eye on me...I just wanted to cry, or get off that flight and away from anybody."
Fortunately for her, after the traumatic ordeal was over, she confided her embarrassment to the sympathetic man sitting next to her, who had also suffered a similar incident. That man was the famous writer and director, Kevin Smith.
In her interview, Natalie only reiterated the sad reality that Anna found in her research - that due to the reactions of people in our society, and the thin-dominated areas in public spaces, overweight people pre-emptively take measures to avoid these situations or censor themselves.
"Just being a big girl in general, you kind-of try to plan ahead everything and make sure that you're not going to disturb somebody - because you don't want to bring attention to yourself. And for me, being plus sized, knowing I'm going to be in a small area...I'm going to cuddle as close as I can to that window because I don't want to touch the person - because they already have the pre-judgement that, 'oh my gosh...I'm going to be squished sitting beside somebody that's larger.' So, I try to make it as comfortable as I can for anyone, because I don't want to cause problems for [them]."
Through this experience, she learned that this type of incident occurs far too frequently for far too many people, not surprising as 2/3rds of the American population is considered overweight or obese.
In speaking out she hopes to bring attention to the treatment to people of size, so that more people are not subjected to such an experience. Regardless of size, shape or height, we are all customers of a company that offers a service and should be treated with the same respect that position should demand.
Her advice, to other people of size, is to speak out to businesses pre-emptively. Write letters and be vocal about boycotting services, rather than doing it silently. Let them know that services should be accommodating the customers, not asking the customers to accommodate them - particularly if the customers are expected to pay for it.
Following the topic of airline seating, Michelle made comparison to the policies instituted by airlines in the U.S. and our own country's mandated 'one person, one fare' policy. Canada's policy determined that one person can only pay one fare, but if a second seat is required (for an aide, or to accommodate a disability or a person of size) the airline must provide the second seat and absorb the cost of the ticket. This practice is believed to cost Canadian airlines approximately 44 cents on every ticket.
For the record, the average airline seat is 17" wide - approximately the size of your computer keyboard.
A quick comparison of how airlines in the US handle this issue versus how Canadian airlines do, reveals some surprising contradictions.
Airlines in the US demand that their customers are to pay fares for two seats, unless they can prove they AREN'T fat enough to warrant a second seat. Canadian airlines demand customers prove they ARE fat enough to warrant a second seat.
Airlines in the US require a person to be able to sit in a seat with both arm rests down, to be allowed to fly on a single fare - armrests must remain down at all times. Canadian airlines offer adjustable armrests and removable armrests for the comfort and convenience of customers flying on a single fare.
Airlines in the US defend the two fare policy by stating that it is all a matter of safety. Canadian airlines are operating just as safely, with accommodations being made where needed.
"It's all about the money, honey. Just follow the money," notes Peggy.
-------------------------------
Special thanks to our Producer Adam Prince, and our wonderful guests: Jill Andrew of Jill Andrew Media (JAM), Prof. Anna Kirkland of the University of Michigan, Peggy Howell of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), and Natalie.
Monday, February 15, 2010
LGBT Parenting Show
On February 15th, we welcomed guest co-host Fallon Cunning, parent of three, along with Michelle Boyce to discuss the topic of LGBT parenting.
Special guests on the show included Rachel Epstein of the LGBTQ Parenting Network, Joan Wiley of TransParents Canada, and Freya, the daughter of a lesbian.
A very special 'This is Me' segment brings us the voice of Jessie Boyce, a young lady who speaks out on her diverse family dynamic. When asked what was the one thing she would like to say to her Moms, she replied: "I love you very much."
Michelle and Fallon addressed the issues and challenges of being a parent under the LGBT spectrum, from their own experiences and those of our guests, as well as the subsequent effect harassment, prejudice and intolerance, from society and schools, has on the wellbeing and happiness of their children.
Freya points out that even phrases people brush aside, such as, "It's so gay," have a tremendous impact on children of LGBT parents.
Michelle also mentions a study that concluded that if children are embarrassed by their home situation and they don't receive the support in their home that they might otherwise receive, that the child is significantly more susceptible to bullying at school. So while bullying may be a 'school problem' (zero tolerance is zero tolerance ), the best thing a parent can do is to provide a supportive environment for the child at home.
We thank all of our guests for sharing their experiences, stories and expertise with us. Unfortunately, technical difficulties prevented us from having Paul Carr of Gay Fathers Toronto on the show as scheduled - however, for more information on the organization, please see their website at: http://www.gayfathers-toronto.com/
For more information on TransParent Canada, you can also check out their website at: http://www.transparentcanada.ca/
-------------------------------------
The Journal of Marriage and Family, published online January 20, 2010, released the findings of scholars at NYU and USC, that while children do need two parents, the gender of those two parents did not make a difference.
"Sociologist Timothy Biblarz of the USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences says in a release about the study:
Significant policy decisions have been swayed by the misconception across party lines that children need both a mother and a father. Yet, there is almost no social science research to support this claim. One problem is that proponents of this view routinely ignore research on same-gender parents. The bottom line is that the science shows that children raised by two same-gender parents do as well on average as children raised by two different-gender parents. This is obviously inconsistent with the widespread claim that children must be raised by a mother and a father to do well."
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
BTM Salute to Black History Month
Today Between the Margins ran a special edition from 11am to 12pm, saluting February as Black History Month.
Michelle Boyce, and co-host Maha El-Sabaawi, presented two wonderful interviews with Carl Cadogen, from the London Black History Co-ordinating Committee, and Heather Taylor, advocate for Black rights/Black Women's rights and a former employee of the North American Black History Museum.
The show can be found in the CHRW Archive, and on our website.
For more information on the events being held in London, Ontario for Black History Month, check out the Cross Cultural Learning Centre's website HERE.
Michelle Boyce, and co-host Maha El-Sabaawi, presented two wonderful interviews with Carl Cadogen, from the London Black History Co-ordinating Committee, and Heather Taylor, advocate for Black rights/Black Women's rights and a former employee of the North American Black History Museum.
The show can be found in the CHRW Archive, and on our website.
For more information on the events being held in London, Ontario for Black History Month, check out the Cross Cultural Learning Centre's website HERE.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Geo: On A Personal Note...
I always love it when we do shows dealing with exceptional people who overcome the challenges that have been given to them in the form of a physical disability. I am a firm believer that anyone, regardless of their lot in life, can accomplish almost anything they put their heart and mind into.
But there is this incredibly deep respect I have for those who succeed in spite of physical limitations. Perhaps that is most notably so, because I grew up with one such person.
If you had to ask me who my hero was, I'd be hard pressed to say Superman, or spout off the name of an epic painter, or brilliant scientist. Because, in reality, my hero has always been my little sister.
My younger (and only) sibling, was born physically disabled. The day she was born, the doctors were concerned because she only had one fully formed hand - the other only had a small, partial palm, a small stub of a thumb, and four teeny-tiny nubs of fingers (without bone).
I grew up accustomed to the stares, the whispers, the awkward questions people would ask. Some days it would downright embarass me that people could be so cruel, and other days I wished that I could just confront every person I saw and say, "Hey! Just deal with it!"
I mean, it wasn't like she had a choice - as people with physical disabilities don't. It's not like you wake up one morning and decide to get a giant Homer Simpson tattoo on your face and then wonder why people point and whisper. No one thinks it's a great idea to just wake up the next morning with a disability.
Granted, I am painfully aware of the curiosity of others. We naturally ponder, and wonder, about things we have never experienced before and do not fully understand. We may have questions and we may seek to know more information. But one must require tact, people.
After all, you wouldn't walk up to any person on the street and ask them bluntly, "So, tell me, how exactly do you go about having a bowel movement?" (Or I would hope you wouldn't. Well, maybe you might if you were Borat.)
Point being, that there is a level of appropriateness to how you should act in public or things you should say to ANYONE. Whether they are disabled, or just have their nylons tucked into the back of their skirt.
And this is why I feel that people like Josh Blue, and our Athletes, are so vital to this education. It puts the issue in your face, and forces you to deal with people who may not look, talk, walk, move, experience the world as able-bodied people do. You get past those perceptions and stereotypes, discovering that first and foremost disabled people are PEOPLE.
After all, you haven't met my sister yet. Despite only having one functional hand, she has created her own success story. Studying in the Hotel/Restaurant Management field, she was serving tables in a four-star dining establishment for years - often taking on twice as many tables as her able-bodied counterparts. I mean, do you have any idea how hard it is to balance arms full of dishes and properly serve high-end customers with that kind of physical limitation?
Yet, she was one of their most productive and highest tipped employees.
This is a girl who never says die. I don't think I have ever seen her back down from anyone, or anything, that she was told she 'couldn't' do. Not only did she do it, she did it so well that it made the rest of us (me included) look bad.
Things that I normally take for granted - like typing, or texting - she has adapted with a scary-good skill (and even though she might kill me for confessing this, I KNOW that she can drive a car, drink a coffee and talk on her cell phone all at the same time. That's something I've never been able to accomplish. Even her parallel parking puts me to shame.)
My sibling has hundreds of friends on facebook, and the scary part is that they are almost entirely people she has met and befriended in life. Her can-do personality and her charisma have earned her friends wherever she goes - a popularity that always made me (the nerd) green with envy.
She's a mother, a wife, a housekeeper, and an executive. She makes it all look easy, even though I can't imagine what it's like to try and change the diaper of a squirming baby with only one hand. (Try it sometime. I dare ya.)
In fact, her life is so painfully normal that I often forget that she has a disability at all. It isn't until someone points it out that I have to actually stop and think about it.
But, I wouldn't change that for the world. Growing up with her has taught me so much about tolerance, and the perils of making snap-judgements and perceptions of people. In fact, my rule of thumb has quickly become that the only disability I will not tolerate... is ignorance.
So thank you, my sister...and my hero... for teaching me a valuable lesson in life. For you've shown me the power of determination, and the courage to live to the fullest of your potential.
My sister... successful in almost everything she touches.
And as her elder brother, I can't tell you how insanely hard it is to live up to that bar.
Especially as a volunteer radio host, slash starving writer, slash laid off office minion, slash bachelor.
...
Talk about your sibling rivalry.
But there is this incredibly deep respect I have for those who succeed in spite of physical limitations. Perhaps that is most notably so, because I grew up with one such person.
If you had to ask me who my hero was, I'd be hard pressed to say Superman, or spout off the name of an epic painter, or brilliant scientist. Because, in reality, my hero has always been my little sister.
My younger (and only) sibling, was born physically disabled. The day she was born, the doctors were concerned because she only had one fully formed hand - the other only had a small, partial palm, a small stub of a thumb, and four teeny-tiny nubs of fingers (without bone).
I grew up accustomed to the stares, the whispers, the awkward questions people would ask. Some days it would downright embarass me that people could be so cruel, and other days I wished that I could just confront every person I saw and say, "Hey! Just deal with it!"
I mean, it wasn't like she had a choice - as people with physical disabilities don't. It's not like you wake up one morning and decide to get a giant Homer Simpson tattoo on your face and then wonder why people point and whisper. No one thinks it's a great idea to just wake up the next morning with a disability.
Granted, I am painfully aware of the curiosity of others. We naturally ponder, and wonder, about things we have never experienced before and do not fully understand. We may have questions and we may seek to know more information. But one must require tact, people.
After all, you wouldn't walk up to any person on the street and ask them bluntly, "So, tell me, how exactly do you go about having a bowel movement?" (Or I would hope you wouldn't. Well, maybe you might if you were Borat.)
Point being, that there is a level of appropriateness to how you should act in public or things you should say to ANYONE. Whether they are disabled, or just have their nylons tucked into the back of their skirt.
And this is why I feel that people like Josh Blue, and our Athletes, are so vital to this education. It puts the issue in your face, and forces you to deal with people who may not look, talk, walk, move, experience the world as able-bodied people do. You get past those perceptions and stereotypes, discovering that first and foremost disabled people are PEOPLE.
After all, you haven't met my sister yet. Despite only having one functional hand, she has created her own success story. Studying in the Hotel/Restaurant Management field, she was serving tables in a four-star dining establishment for years - often taking on twice as many tables as her able-bodied counterparts. I mean, do you have any idea how hard it is to balance arms full of dishes and properly serve high-end customers with that kind of physical limitation?
Yet, she was one of their most productive and highest tipped employees.
This is a girl who never says die. I don't think I have ever seen her back down from anyone, or anything, that she was told she 'couldn't' do. Not only did she do it, she did it so well that it made the rest of us (me included) look bad.
Things that I normally take for granted - like typing, or texting - she has adapted with a scary-good skill (and even though she might kill me for confessing this, I KNOW that she can drive a car, drink a coffee and talk on her cell phone all at the same time. That's something I've never been able to accomplish. Even her parallel parking puts me to shame.)
My sibling has hundreds of friends on facebook, and the scary part is that they are almost entirely people she has met and befriended in life. Her can-do personality and her charisma have earned her friends wherever she goes - a popularity that always made me (the nerd) green with envy.
She's a mother, a wife, a housekeeper, and an executive. She makes it all look easy, even though I can't imagine what it's like to try and change the diaper of a squirming baby with only one hand. (Try it sometime. I dare ya.)
In fact, her life is so painfully normal that I often forget that she has a disability at all. It isn't until someone points it out that I have to actually stop and think about it.
But, I wouldn't change that for the world. Growing up with her has taught me so much about tolerance, and the perils of making snap-judgements and perceptions of people. In fact, my rule of thumb has quickly become that the only disability I will not tolerate... is ignorance.
So thank you, my sister...and my hero... for teaching me a valuable lesson in life. For you've shown me the power of determination, and the courage to live to the fullest of your potential.
My sister... successful in almost everything she touches.
And as her elder brother, I can't tell you how insanely hard it is to live up to that bar.
Especially as a volunteer radio host, slash starving writer, slash laid off office minion, slash bachelor.
...
Talk about your sibling rivalry.
Paralympic Athletes Show
Join us on February 1st, 2010 for our Paralympic Athletes show.
We're speaking with Canadian Paralympic Swimmer and medalist Darda Sales (formerly Darda Geiger), and US Paralympic Soccer player and international comedy superstar, Josh Blue.
RBC Olympian and Paralympic Swimmer Darda Sales represented Canada in the 2000 Summer Paralympic Games in Sydney (where she took home Gold in the 4 x100 m medley relay) and in the 2004 Summer Paralympic Games in Athens (where she achieved Silver in the 4 x 100m medley relay).
In 2010, Darla had the honour of being selected to promote the Olympic Torchbearer for the St. Thomas leg of the Torch relay (you can read more about it here in the Port Stanley News).
Darda will also talk about the tribute paid to Paralympic Athletes by Pfizer Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee, in the form of a free online book dedicated to our nation's Paralympic Team.
The book 'Kids of Courage' (available in e-book and audio format) was written by award-winning author and teacher Cynthia Pratt Nicolson and illustrated by renown mouth-painter Susie Matthias. The audio version is narrated by Canadian Sledge Hockey Player, Benoit St-Armand.
Kids of Courage is an inspirational work, containing stories that honour our Athletes by demonstrating that to believe in oneself can allow us to not only reach for our dreams, but attain them, despite the challenges one might face.
“This e-book shows that when you dream big and believe in yourself you can achieve amazing things,” says Henry Storgaard, CEO, Canadian Paralympic Committee, adding that Canadians will get to see the determination and skill of Paralympians in action during the lead-up to March 2010.
“It’s energizing to feel the outpouring of support from our friends at Pfizer and from sports fans across Canada,” says Canadian sledge hockey player Benoit St-Amand. “We hope these stories will encourage Canadians to learn more about Paralympic sport and watch us in action this March. Most of all, we hope these stories will encourage Canadians to reach for their own dreams and do everything they can to live a healthy, inspired life no matter what.”
As part of their 'More Than Medication' wellness initiative, the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Pfizer are donating 40,000 copies of the book to local libraries across Canada (with copies available in Braille for educators). Coupled with the free, online copies of the book that are available - parents, teachers and families alike can share in these inspirational tales together.
'More than Medication' is dedicated to helping Canadians lead healthier lives by providing information on non-medicinal means of personal wellbeing. These areas include: Eat Better, Strengthen Your Mind and Body, Manage Stress, Be Brave, Relate Better and Be In Charge of Your Own Health Care.
To download your free copy of 'Kids of Courage', go to: www.morethanmedication.ca or follow the link from www.paralympic.ca.
We also had the opportunity to talk to a inspirational US athlete, who just happens to be an international comedy superstar to boot.
US Paralympic Soccer Player Josh Blue is more famously known as the winner of the 4th Season of the NBC hit show, "Last Comic Standing". Despite the challenges of having Cerebral Palsy, Josh has earned success that most of us will never know.
He jokes, "I realize that people are going to stare, so I want to give them something to stare at."
Down-to-earth, extremely personable, and incredibly likeable, Josh forces the able-bodied world to take a new look at those they label 'disabled'. His brand of "reverse teasing" (as he refers to it) makes people take a humbling look at themselves - challenging stereotypes and preconceived notions they may have about people with a physical disability.
But aside from being a world renowned Comedian, Josh points out that he is a "damn good soccer player".
When asked which position he plays, he responded in his usual humorous nature, "Striker. A goal scorer... in theory. I mean, I've SEEN it done."
While his time on the US Paralympic Soccer Team hasn't seen any medal action, Josh commented that it was tough to compete with countries like the Soviet and Brazil - where team members live together, and train together, sometimes twice or more daily.
"The US Team... not so much," he laughs.
Although he has a non-stop, coast-to-coast comedy tour, and all the responsibilities of being a Father of one (and one-on-the-way in May), he is still on the roster as one of the now-senior members of the US Team.
For those who might want a bit more information on Josh Blue, you're welcome to check out his website at: www.joshblue.com.
We also wanted to note that for those who enjoyed Josh's comedy stylings, he has a live show coming up at 7 p.m. on March 5th, 2010 in Macomb, MI (which is about 2 hours from London).
This fundraising event, which supports ARC Services (a non-profit organization that supports and encourages independance and life success for disabled people), will also feature MA Comedian Don White.
Performances will be held at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, and tickets can be purchased at: www.macombcenter.com. There are floor seats, as well as special memberships that allow you to attend a Dessert Reception and 'Meet and Greet' after the performance.
Join us February 15th on Between the Margins for our next show: LGBT Parenting.
We're speaking with Canadian Paralympic Swimmer and medalist Darda Sales (formerly Darda Geiger), and US Paralympic Soccer player and international comedy superstar, Josh Blue.
RBC Olympian and Paralympic Swimmer Darda Sales represented Canada in the 2000 Summer Paralympic Games in Sydney (where she took home Gold in the 4 x100 m medley relay) and in the 2004 Summer Paralympic Games in Athens (where she achieved Silver in the 4 x 100m medley relay).
In 2010, Darla had the honour of being selected to promote the Olympic Torchbearer for the St. Thomas leg of the Torch relay (you can read more about it here in the Port Stanley News).
Darda will also talk about the tribute paid to Paralympic Athletes by Pfizer Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee, in the form of a free online book dedicated to our nation's Paralympic Team.
The book 'Kids of Courage' (available in e-book and audio format) was written by award-winning author and teacher Cynthia Pratt Nicolson and illustrated by renown mouth-painter Susie Matthias. The audio version is narrated by Canadian Sledge Hockey Player, Benoit St-Armand.
Kids of Courage is an inspirational work, containing stories that honour our Athletes by demonstrating that to believe in oneself can allow us to not only reach for our dreams, but attain them, despite the challenges one might face.
“This e-book shows that when you dream big and believe in yourself you can achieve amazing things,” says Henry Storgaard, CEO, Canadian Paralympic Committee, adding that Canadians will get to see the determination and skill of Paralympians in action during the lead-up to March 2010.
“It’s energizing to feel the outpouring of support from our friends at Pfizer and from sports fans across Canada,” says Canadian sledge hockey player Benoit St-Amand. “We hope these stories will encourage Canadians to learn more about Paralympic sport and watch us in action this March. Most of all, we hope these stories will encourage Canadians to reach for their own dreams and do everything they can to live a healthy, inspired life no matter what.”
As part of their 'More Than Medication' wellness initiative, the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Pfizer are donating 40,000 copies of the book to local libraries across Canada (with copies available in Braille for educators). Coupled with the free, online copies of the book that are available - parents, teachers and families alike can share in these inspirational tales together.
'More than Medication' is dedicated to helping Canadians lead healthier lives by providing information on non-medicinal means of personal wellbeing. These areas include: Eat Better, Strengthen Your Mind and Body, Manage Stress, Be Brave, Relate Better and Be In Charge of Your Own Health Care.
To download your free copy of 'Kids of Courage', go to: www.morethanmedication.ca or follow the link from www.paralympic.ca.
We also had the opportunity to talk to a inspirational US athlete, who just happens to be an international comedy superstar to boot.
US Paralympic Soccer Player Josh Blue is more famously known as the winner of the 4th Season of the NBC hit show, "Last Comic Standing". Despite the challenges of having Cerebral Palsy, Josh has earned success that most of us will never know.
He jokes, "I realize that people are going to stare, so I want to give them something to stare at."
Down-to-earth, extremely personable, and incredibly likeable, Josh forces the able-bodied world to take a new look at those they label 'disabled'. His brand of "reverse teasing" (as he refers to it) makes people take a humbling look at themselves - challenging stereotypes and preconceived notions they may have about people with a physical disability.
But aside from being a world renowned Comedian, Josh points out that he is a "damn good soccer player".
When asked which position he plays, he responded in his usual humorous nature, "Striker. A goal scorer... in theory. I mean, I've SEEN it done."
While his time on the US Paralympic Soccer Team hasn't seen any medal action, Josh commented that it was tough to compete with countries like the Soviet and Brazil - where team members live together, and train together, sometimes twice or more daily.
"The US Team... not so much," he laughs.
Although he has a non-stop, coast-to-coast comedy tour, and all the responsibilities of being a Father of one (and one-on-the-way in May), he is still on the roster as one of the now-senior members of the US Team.
For those who might want a bit more information on Josh Blue, you're welcome to check out his website at: www.joshblue.com.
We also wanted to note that for those who enjoyed Josh's comedy stylings, he has a live show coming up at 7 p.m. on March 5th, 2010 in Macomb, MI (which is about 2 hours from London).
This fundraising event, which supports ARC Services (a non-profit organization that supports and encourages independance and life success for disabled people), will also feature MA Comedian Don White.
Performances will be held at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, and tickets can be purchased at: www.macombcenter.com. There are floor seats, as well as special memberships that allow you to attend a Dessert Reception and 'Meet and Greet' after the performance.
Join us February 15th on Between the Margins for our next show: LGBT Parenting.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Welcome
Welcome to Between the Margins Blog!
Special thanks to all our team:
Maha El-Sabaawi - On-air commentator and Blogger
Nicole Nussbaum - On-air commentator
Carrie Simmons - Producer
Adam Prince - Assistant Producer
Fallon Cunning - On-air commentator and Head Researcher
Without you guys this show couldn't happen!
Special thanks to all our team:
Maha El-Sabaawi - On-air commentator and Blogger
Nicole Nussbaum - On-air commentator
Carrie Simmons - Producer
Adam Prince - Assistant Producer
Fallon Cunning - On-air commentator and Head Researcher
Without you guys this show couldn't happen!
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