Introduction
The article “Pride is more than a parade and rainbow transitions. We Need Action and Allyship,” written by Anna Murphy, was published on September 3, 2022. In his article, the author opines that pride is necessary to eradicate the fetishization and demonization of 2SLGBTQIA+ people. According to the author, pride is a movement that transcends the notion of parade and time to honor the achievements and suffering of people advancing real, lasting change by fighting for equality and eradicating hatred and intolerance. It is time to step forward and speak out, especially to political and cultural leaders and all those in power and influence; hatred and bigotry have no place in our communities. Murphy (2022) uses rhetorical appeals and effective arguments to convince audiences but needs sources to support the evidence.
Discussion
First, Murphy (2022) cites facts about Canada to prove his point. However, according to the author, this is just the tip of the iceberg of what many 2SLGBTQIA+ people face daily (Murphy, 2022). Cited is that Statistics Canada reported that there was a 64% increase in hate crimes against people based on their sexual orientation last year, and these are just the crimes that are reported to the police. The author tries to point readers to action: “We must make sure that hate and intolerance have no place in our communities. Now more than ever, the transgender community needs allies, because you can’t fight them alone. We must recognize allyship as a verb, not a noun” (Murphy, para 9). Murphy (2022) uses references to support his argument. In a July letter to Canmore Pride, Valbella Gourmet Foods president Jeff von Rotz wrote, “…you couldn’t pay me enough to sponsor anything related to transvestite childcare (sic), please keep these sick people away from the children of our society.” During a recent debate in Edmonton, MLA, and UCP leadership candidate Brian Jean said: “Sexuality should not be taught in schools, only biology, I don’t believe that people who have gone through puberty as men should compete with women.” He repeated that rhetoric in an address to party members this week. A deeper understanding of the problem, and real statistics, helped the author capture the audience’s attention.
Murphy (2022) tries to motivate, reach out to allies, and gain emotional support by telling the stories of black and Latina transgender women. In her view, allies’ goals must remain to achieve tangible, meaningful results (Murphy, 2022). Calgary Pride is a time for amplification, celebration, and education, now in its 33rd year. Pride is a moment for reflection and recognition of the courage and sacrifices of black and black people. The sacrifices made by black Latina transgender women started the movement. Pride is a protest and a moment to recognize the struggles, sacrifices, courage, accomplishments, and milestones of those who have fought and continue to fight for equality in society. Pride goes beyond the parade; unification must be higher than raising a flag, longer and bolder than rainbow-painted crosswalks. Pride is movement, and movement requires action and must be more than words or platitudes. A call to action can work great for the reader and help solve a problem.
Murphy (2022) talks about parade rules at various schools and cites political references to support his arguments. She argues that this spirit led to Calgary Pride’s decision to ask some of those who had applied to participate in the parade to take time to think about their actions rather than begin their path of allyship along the parade route. Among them were the United Conservatives, who, despite being invited to other Pride events, were turned away from this year’s parade as a direct result of their actions – such as loosening regulations on gay and straight school unions (GSAs) – and in many cases inaction. The author insists on recognizing that the parade is not an opportunity for empty photo ops and pink dollar marketing but a goal of protest and an opportunity for 2SLGBTQIA+ and their allies to march for change. Across the political spectrum and at all levels, people saw leaders trying to protect human rights and earn their place on the march with their communities. Murphy (2022) provides an example of how former Prime Minister Alison Redford, a Progressive Conservative, put her allied stance into action when she raised the Pride flag over the Alberta legislature and restored funding for a gender-affirming surgery program in Alberta. The GSA policies of former NDP premier Rachel Notley brought the vital policy to students. City Council and Parliament banned the horrific practice of conversion therapy. Mayor Jyoti Gondeck officially recognized and endorsed Transgender Visibility Day (March 31) and Memorial Day (November 20). In addition, last month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced. Canada’s first Action Plan for 2SLGBTQIA+ with $100 million in funding. Examples like this with evidence make for a reliable and credible article.
Conclusion
Thus, the author emphasizes that there is still much work to be done on treating minorities with dignity. Although the achievements of Pride have changed the lives of 2SLGBTQI people, there are many barriers they have to face every day. Everyone should understand that allyship is a verb, not a noun. Support for this assertion can be found in statements of authority. Nevertheless, 2SLGBTQI supporters, including Allison Redford, Rachel Notley, Jyoti Gondeck, and Justin Trudeau, are doing their best to make the necessary changes. Supporters who do not reflect the values of 2SLGBTQI should be removed from the parade (Murphy, 2022). The rights of 2SLGBTQI are not up for debate or attack right now. Pride is not pink-dollar marketing but an ongoing movement to create hate-free communities. The fight for 2SLGBTQIA+ equality is not a one-person movement. Together we must commit to tangible and meaningful change and collectively move forward to eradicate stigma dehumanization, fetishization, and demonization – to create a path that promotes space and builds communities where all can see their future as an achievable and validated reality. The author urges audiences not to hesitate or condone actions that encourage and expand a narrative that affirms the existence and life of 2SLGBTQIA+. People’s rights are not and never will be open to discussion or challenge.
Reference
Murphy, A. (2022). Pride is more than a parade and rainbow crosswalks. We need action and allyship. [online] CBC. Web.