In the spirit of protecting hard-earned LGBT rights in Canada, I knew I had to write this post tonight. I tend to avoid political posts on Cute, Queer, Canadian due to one simple principle: queer ladies ought to have a space to revel in the utter loveliness of their orientation. I built this blog around the celebration of talented, energetic, and absolute beautiful of women, whether queer or straight, and I knew it helped me immensely as I found my own path out of the closet. I know of numerous blogs and websites that document the injustices committed against queer people—I, on the other hand, wanted to create a positive space in which ladies (and the occasional gent, of course) could remind themselves of the happiness that comes from living an honest life. Why not revel in one's difference?
I found my perspective shifted after watching a recent rant penned by none other than Rick Mercer—though his satirical news broadcast pokes fun at Canada's political landscape (and also highlights the fun-loving nature of the average Canadian), his rants have a knack for hitting home. On this week's episode of the Rick Mercer Report, he discussed the recent suicide of Jamie Hubley, a fifteen-year-old student who was depressed and also happened to be gay:
"We have to make it better now. That's every single one of us—every teacher, every student, every adult has to step up to the plate. And that's gay adults, too, because I know gay cops, soldiers, athletes, cabinet ministers—a lot of us do—but the problem is, adults, we don't need role models—kids do."
Rick Mercer is a fierce one, and I have never seen him as fired up in a rant before. I know I tend to get a bit soft sitting here in a Canadian suburb, assuming prejudice and anti-queer bullying exists outside of our borders. I suppose that's the reason an e-mail I received earlier this week hit so close to home.
Back in September, Riley Duckworth (25) and Patricia Pattenden (23) kissed outside of a Tim Hortons location in Blenheim, ON. Another customer complained to the manager, and the couple was asked to leave. The complainant, Rev. Eric Revie of the local Pentecostal church, claims he thought the couple was heterosexual and believed their public displays of affection had crossed the line—however, Duckworth and Pattenden report that the manager threatened to call the police on them if the couple did not leave the premises immediately.
Tim Hortons' head office has since issued an apology over the incident, though their statement offers a rather backhanded, insensitive approach (note: bolding added for emphasis) :
“Thank you so much for the opportunity to respond. We apologize if the two guests were offended by the misunderstanding that occurred at our Blenheim restaurant last month on behalf of the owners and management. It was not their intention. Tim Hortons and its restaurant owners have always welcomed all families and communities to their restaurants and will continue to do so. It was not the manager’s intention to offend or target anyone based on their sexual orientation. The guests’ behaviour went beyond public displays of affection and was making other guests feel uncomfortable. The management has apologized to Riley and Patricia and invite them back to their restaurant.”
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Tomorrow (Thursday, October 27) at 4 PM, residents of Blenheim, ON, will take to the streets and protest outside their local Tim Hortons franchise at 79 Talbot St. West. Once again, Canadians will demonstrate that small towns do not equate to small minds when it comes to LGBT rights—lend your support and pass the word forward!