Even Post Orlando, Some Canadian Politicians Still Refuse to Attend Pride Parades

There's no good time to be a homophobe.

But right now, while the LGBT community is reeling from a hateful attack that killed 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando, it seems especially crucial to show solidarity. Unfortunately, public officials in Steinbach, Manitoba, a city of about 14,000 that is trying to organize its first ever Pride Parade in July, seemed to have missed that memo.

In a display of insensitivity at best and outright bigotry at worst, local politicians at every level of government in Steinbach, located 60 kilometres southeast of Winnipeg, have indicated they won't be attending the event.

Conservative MP Ted Falk, who represents Provencher, originally told reporters he was already committed to Frog Follies, an agricultural fair taking place on the same day; in response, Frog Follies president Marie-Christine Bruce encouraged Falk to skip her event, pointing out that, "in light of the recent tragic massacre in Orlando, we just can't ignore an important event like the very first Pride event in any municipality, any town, anywhere right now."

Falk then told the CBC "I've been clear on this issue many times, and have made my position public on my values of faith, family and community." Even without a scheduling conflict, he said he wouldn't go to the Pride Parade, and that he will not attend any event "organized by this group."

Meanwhile, the city's mayor Chris Goertzen and Progressive Conservative MLA Kelvin Goertzen (no relation), who is also the province's Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living have both said they have other plans. (NDP and Liberal MLAs have said they will be there.) The mayor has said he will pen a letter of support for the LGBT community while Minister Goertzen's office told VICE he can't make it due to a "personal commitment."

Holding office means you sometimes have to put the public good ahead of your own beliefs, interests, and summer plans. In saying that he won't go to any LGBT-focused events because of his "values," Falk is essentially rejecting LGBT people as members of his community and showing a personal disdain for them. He's encouraging exactly the kind of environment that breeds homophobia. As for the other two, their excuses demonstrate an indifference that speaks volumes.

Their support is even more necessary when you consider the current climate of LGBT acceptance in Steinbach. Pride organizer Michelle McHale, who is a lesbian, recently filed a human rights complaint against the Hanover School Division in the area, because the board refuses to allow teachers to speak to students about different sexual orientations. When McHale, whose child was being bullied for having two moms, asked the school board to consider changing that policy, she was shut down because, as board chair Ron Falk put it, "it's just not part of the curriculum." McHale subsequently received death threats. Another school board policy effectively outs gay children who ask their educators about their sexual orientation, by requiring them to inform parents.

"Some parents have the ability to adequately support their child, but some don't, and we've had kids who have killed themselves for less," said McHale.

Evan Wiens, 20, who started Hanover school district's first gay-straight alliance despite much opposition, told the CBC he wished teachers had been more open when he was younger.

"I remember Grade 8, especially when you start going through puberty and I started figuring out my sexual orientation. At that time it was really scary to be at school because there's nothing being taught in the classrooms about inclusiveness in that respect."

More than one-third of LGBT youth in Canada have attempted suicide, compared with seven percent of non-LGBT youth, and rejection from families and bullying are exacerbating factors. In small towns, where there are fewer resources, it is likely even harder to get support. These are facts you'd like a minister of health would be well aware of.

Pride parades and gay bars aren't just (incredible) parties—they're places where LGBT people can feel safe and comfortable being themselves. The Orlando shooting was an abhorrent violation of that sense of security, one that had a rippling effect far beyond that city. People like McHale are brave for striving for equality in the face of that kind of hatred. If those elected to serve them can't get behind that, perhaps they should be looking for new careers.

Follow Manisha Krishnan on Twitter.