Hello, I'm Pete in Canada.

[offog]

I found out about this site through Democratic Underground. The folks who started Soulforce are very brave and I salute them.

I'm a straight single white female who supports the GLBT cause, mostly because of some high school experiences. First, I had a couple of buddies who really suffered because the were considered "faggy looking". Second, I was a geeky kid, so I have some sense of what it's like to not fit in and feel that you have to hide who you are.

I am active in the New Democratic Party. My provincial section added a GLBT wing just this March. It's also for friends and allies of GLBT people. (Other provincial sections and the federal section have had GLBT wings for some years.) I went to the founding meeting, and they needed someone to be Secretary, so I was "drafted". It's a great honor to be on the first Executive of this organization.

One of the issues we are working on is harrassment and bullying in public schools.

Soulforce is a wonderful organization. Something like this would never have happened when I was in high school. I'm going to tell my GLBT buddies about Soulforce. I look forward to checking out the site and participating in discussions.

[scott snedeker]

So great to hear from a canadian! One of my lovers is canadian and I have been in love with the open and considerate attitude that i encouter so often!

Glad to have yoou here!

[Gennee]

A hearty welcome to you, Pete. Congratulations on your election.

Gennee

[tdogg]

Glad you found your way here. Sounds like you are doing great things in your community, that's awesome. I was in Regina back in 2001 and 2002, for our Canadian National Arabian horse show. Didn't get a ribbon but I greatly enjoyed the super friendly residents, shopping and the large park in the city (can't recall the name, but they had a bird sanctuary for injured/sick birds & rehabbing). I loved Canada, and the drive there was cool (but long).

Welcome!

[offog]

Hi tdogg!

Thanks for your kind response. I'm thrilled that you liked Regina. The Arabian Horse Show is one of the city's biggest annual events. BTW, the big park here is called Wascana Park.

Nice to get some responses to my thread so quickly. Best wishes.

[offog]

Hi Gennee!

Thanks for responding, and for the congratulations, But I feel I should tell you I wasn't exactly elected. Nobody else was running.

It's nice to feel welcome. Best wishes.

[offog]

Hi Scotty!

Glad you like Canada so much. Some of the reasons I'm proud to be Canadian are we allow gay marriage, and it's illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. We're working to get gender identity covered too (so that the transgendered get the same legal protection).

Best wishes!

[BruceChris]

It is nice to have straight allies. Somehow, there are just some people who believe a straight person more than a gay one, when it comes to matters GLBT. We need all of the help we can get.

Peace and Love, Bruce Chris

[offog]

Hi tdogg, it's offog again. I just noticed your banner for NO TO PROP 8 IN NOVEMBER. I assume that the movement's efforts include getting people out to vote. I've read a lot of stories about vote suppression down in the U.S.

I came across something interesting while Internet surfing this evening. It's on the Democratic Underground site, in the discussion thread for the story “Newsweek: GOP is working to keep eligible African-Americans from voting in several states”.

In comment #54, norepubsin08 suggests:

“Once more, as I have said, I would love to see every liberal/progressive website, blog and organization declare October 1, 2008 NATIONAL CHECK IF I CAN VOTE DAY. That way if there are problems there is time to correct them. I would also put the Republican election officials on notice that we will be much more proactive and vigilant in protecting the integrity of the electoral process this time around.”

(I hope I’m not violating any copyright laws here.)

I hope all you folks in the NO TO PROP 8 movement take time on October 1 to check on your voter eligibility, and encourage others to do the same. Whatever party you support, Prop 8 has to be shot down.

Good luck!

[tdogg]

Got to spend much of a day there, it was great.

Right now, Prop 8 is down in the polls, which is a relief. However, a lot can happen between now and Nov 4, so we have to stay on top of it. There are also anti-equality ballot initiatives in Arizona and Florida this year. We seem to be getting the bulk of the publicity here as our Supreme Court legalized same sex marriage a few months back. Basically Prop 8 would now take away rights, instead of prevent them from being applied. Even a lot of the conservative Republicans are against it.

Interesting on the voter registration info. I'm registered non-party actually, but considering a switch to Democrat. Either way, I'll be able to vote like anyone else. I believe Equality for all is including voter registration as one of their discussion points in making the state-wide phone calls to citizens. It's too bad there isn't a similar organization working in AZ and FL, that particular one is very organized, large and effective.

[offog]

Hi Bruce Chris!

Thanks for your kind message. I agree with what you said. ("Somehow, there are just some people who believe a straight person more than a gay one, when it comes to matters GLBT.") This statement articulates something I've felt in my gut for a long time.

The local GLBT community lets me hang out at their club, so I figure the least I can do is stick up for them.

I also like that quotation at the bottom of your message. It's amazing how so many people who call themselves Christian can be so mean to those who don't fit into their view of Christianity.

Keep up the good fight!

Pete

[Daniel]

Love your country (got married there!) and have spent a good amount of time with friends in Toronto. Such forward and progressive minded folks you have up there! Yeah. I know you have your conservatives like we do, but I can't see the Canadian people electing and then putting up with the kind of President we've had for the last eight years. Makes me long for a Parlimentary system. Where there is greater representation of the people, not just two parties battling out a winner take all scenario.

But I do go on!

I look forward to meeting you in the discussions. And as the ERide starts going soon, things should get interesting.

Welcome!