Standing Up Against Homophobia
Amidst the pouring rain, nearly 100 candles illuminated Parc de l’Espoir where an Oct. 6 vigil was held to commemorate the deaths of young people who suffered through homophobic bullying.
In the month of September alone, there had been five incidents of teen suicides related to homophobic bullying in North America. This is why Jean-Pierre Roussain was compelled to do something after learning that more than two-dozen Canadian and American cities were holding vigils on the same day to bring awareness to the ever-present issue of homophobia amongst teens.
“After reading Toronto’s Vigil website [on Friday, Oct. 1], I asked myself, ‘what can I do?’” said Roussain. “It was very short notice for Wednesday. I thought it was going to be just my friends and I.”
About 100 people trickled in at different times to show their support for those who have been afflicted by homophobia.
Among those who committed suicide due to bullying last month were Asher Brown, 13, Seth Walsh, 13, Billy Lucas, 15, Justin Aaberg, 15, Tyler Clementi, 18, and Raymond Chase, 19.
“This is a very clear indication of intolerance,” said Roussain, reflecting on a news report recounting Brown’s last instant of harassment. He had been thrown down a flight of stairs and then someone kicked his books to add insult to injury.
“How low can you bring someone down?” Roussain asked.
Roussain said that it is still taboo to talk about suicides and their motivations, but it is even more taboo to talk about suicides that were a result of someone’s sexual identity.
“People have to really suffer to have to take their own lives,” said Roussain. “Maybe they tried to tell people and their community just didn’t want to listen.
“I hope through this, things will change around me,” he continued. “I will be more aware and accepting of the differences of my own community. I will be able to see and act on things instead of being passive and waiting for things to happen.”
Roussain said he has also been the victim of homophobic bullying. He passionately stated that when he lived through peer intimidation at a young age, it felt like it was never going to end.
It Gets Better is a viral video campaign that sex columnist Dan Savage spurred in response to the tragedy. The videos showcase gay adults speaking sincerely about the struggles they went through while coming out, and reassuring those that are in a similar situation that things do get better eventually.
“It’s very easy to say [it’s going to get better], but when you’re living [through the bullying], it’s the worst thing to ever go through,” said Roussain. “And yes, it does get better.”
Although Montreal is well renowned as being a queer-friendly place, the city was not always so accommodating to homosexuals. Montreal police regularly raided gay bars, clubs and sauna’s leading up to Expo ‘67 and before the city hosted the Olympics in 1976.
This article originally appeared in Volume 31, Issue 09, published October 12, 2010.
