Spirits were flying high as approximately 40 Jasperites made history, May 17, raising the transgender flag for the first time in town to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
Just hours before the flag raising ceremony was scheduled, the Liberal government introduced federal legislation to protect transgender rights.
"I'm just tickled pink, purple and all the colours of the rainbow," said event organizer, Mychol Ormandy about the passing of Bill C-16.
For the past few years, the pride flag has been proudly hoisted in Jasper for the international day of awareness, but this year marked the first time the blue, pink and white stripes of the transgender flag flew beside it.
“It’s extremely overwhelming,” Ormandy said. “I was very excited to see the amount of people that came out to watch history being made as we raised both the pride flag and the trans flag— especially having someone that I honour and respect raising the transgender flag right beside me."
While Ormandy raised the pride flag, he invited Sara Anne Gibson to raise the transgender flag. Having been out as a transgender woman for the past two years, Gibson said the ceremony was filled with emotion.
“I don’t even know what to say— it’s a little hard to grasp,” she said. “I’ve just had so much support in this community. Since I’ve come out I haven’t had one negative experience which I know is rare for transgender people.”
In regards to Bill C-16, Gibson said it’s been a long time coming, but she’s proud she was able to witness this monumental step forward in Canadian history.
“I used to have rights as a straight male, but now I have my rights back again. It’s a good feeling,” Gibson said. “For the prime minister to stand up and actually table this legislation is fantastic—it says a lot about Canada."
As for the future of LGBT rights, Gibson said things are looking bright, but there is still more work to be done.
“I think we just need to let more people know about Jasper,” she said. "That there is a town where I can walk down the street and never worry about being hassled or discriminated against.
“If it can happen here then it can happen everywhere— the more that gets out the more possibility there is for the rest of the country.”
Deputy Mayor Helen Kelleher-Empey spoke on behalf of the municipality at the flag raising ceremony.
“Today we raise the pride flag and the transgender flag to showcase the rights and freedom for everyone to live and love equally,” Kelleher-Empey said. “It doesn’t matter who we love as long as we love.”
General manager of the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce, Patti Pavlov also shared some heartfelt words with the enthusiastic crowd.
“Jasper’s welcoming spirit lends itself to a comfortable feeling, however, we still have strides that need to be made in eliminating homophobia and transphobia, “ she said. “One day I hope to see the words homophobia and transphobia eliminated from the equation all together, and that each day can simply be a celebration of diversity.”
The event was organized by OUT Jasper— an LGBT outreach research service program. The organization first came to fruition a few years ago, but had not been active for some time. The group’s program coordinator, Ormandy said after a few years on the back burner, OUT Jasper is ready to be active in the community again.
“So, after three years here we are raising the flags, standing proudly and working toward a day that will conjure reasons to celebrate rather than a need to eradicate,” Ormandy said. “If you’re gay, bi, transgender or whatever, OUT Jasper is there for support.”
OUT Jasper has also paired up with HIV West Yellowhead.
After 27 years in Jasper, HIV West Yellowhead moved its office to Hinton last January— taking with it its books, condoms, pamphlets and safe is sexy posters. Ormandy said by working with the HIV organization, he will make sure people who live in Jasper have access to HIV and STI tests along with condoms and an array of educational information.
“We’re a place for comfort—we’re totally confidential,” Ormandy said.
Kayla Byrne
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