Dear editor
I’m writing to express my severe disappointment regarding the tweet Mayor Cam Guthrie released on Sept. 21 pertaining to the protest by the Million March 4 Children (MM4C) on Sept. 20.
Cam stated in his tweet that the protest was peaceful. Peaceful protest does not infringe on the rights and safety of others.
This protest was not an “expression of thought, belief and expression”, as stated by Cam. This protest was fuelled by hate and with the sole intent to instill fear into the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Other leaders across the country released statements in advance of the protests to show solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. There is no middle-line when it comes to transphobia. A mayor’s position carries power and privilege – if Cam is not ensuring the safety of all citizens, and chooses to legitimize the anti-2SLGBTQ+ platforms – he is harming our community.
Cam should be ashamed of himself for waiting more than 24 hours after the protest, only to issue a statement trying to play both sides. The 850 2SLGBTQIA+ community members/allies in attendance of last Wednesday’s protest outnumbered the 150 MM4C attendees, proving Guelph is a caring and compassionate city who has chosen kindness.
However, It is abundantly clear that not only does Cam Guthrie not represent the values of the City of Guelph and its people, he is also no ally to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. If Cam is a respectable individual, in my opinion, he will resign from his position and allow someone with greater capacity and compassion to lead the City of Guelph.
Sincerely,
June (last name withheld)
Family member of 2SLGBTQIA+ individual, mother and ally
