I cringe at what I am about to type. But it’s true. I expected a killer – home grown in the U.S. or foreign supported – to do what was done in Orlando this past weekend. In fact, a hate crime of such proportions was probably overdue.
We’re an easy target. Somewhat still acceptable to discriminate against. Our campaigns for equality have made many folks uncomfortable and some feel truly threatened. Certainly many religions are still used as an excuse for the oppression. And the progress made during the last decade, in my opinion, has made a backlash inevitable.
Change doesn’t come easy. And it doesn’t come without losses – small ones and sometimes, tragically, horrific life and death ones.
The LGBT community is not unique in this experience. No oppressed minority (or even an oppressed majority such as women) escapes a life-wrenching test or two, or many more, as we try to make a place for ourselves in the ruler’s house. In fact, a part of me believes that you know you’re making progress when you get attacked. But that doesn’t make it easier to take, and it certainly leaves scars.
I have experienced threats, been denied basic human rights (yes, I predate the human rights commission and its protections for sexual orientation), received numerous insults – intended or otherwise.
But what I have learned from being a minority and an oppressed majority I wouldn’t trade for all of the privilege in the world.
Nothing has taught me more about courage, love, tenacity and optimism than being oppressed. Nothing has shown me more of the goodness and kindness of human beings. I would not have discovered the almost limitless potential for people to re-examine their prejudices when they are given time and compassion. I would not have known how to be a better ally to the ones I oppress – wittingly or unwittingly.
Seeing the citizens of New Westminster gather Sunday night at a rainbow crosswalk to show their solidarity and grieve together brought it all home to me once again. It reminded me, as always, that you are never truly in the minority when you stand together. Yes, love does win. And, yes, sometimes it is a long and painful process. But it is worth it.
– Pat Tracy is the editor of the Record
