It would be easy to dismiss the homophobic slur that was on the Head Lake Park bandstand Oct. 2.
It was hard to see the marker on the wooden grain. An ‘A’ and an ‘H’ in a heart with the word ‘faggot’ written underneath.
It was visible enough, though, to people doing Tai Chi in the bandstand that Wednesday.
One of them, a gay man, immediately fired off emails to Dysart mayor Murray Fearrey, Algonquin Highlands mayor Liz Danielsen and CAO Angie Bird, and County of Haliburton CAO Gary Dyke, which he copied to The Highlander.
He told them he was writing to express his deep concern after encountering hate speech etched on the post of the main gazebo in Head Lake Park. He said the message specifically targeted the LGBTQ+ community, underscoring the persistent presence of homophobia and hate in our community, despite efforts to foster inclusion.
He further indicated it is another example of why Dysart et al and Algonquin Highlands should join Minden Hills in flying the Pride flag as powerful statements of solidarity and equality, standing for inclusion and human dignity.
The slur has since been removed and OPP are looking into it. However, it is unlikely the culprit will ever be found.
We can conjecture that it was the act of a school student who was doing what many kids do when they are growing up, writing ‘faggot’ in a public place. We could also hide behind the fact it was not very easy to see, so therefore on the minor scale of homophobia. However, that would be an easy dismissal.
We don’t know who ‘A’ and ‘H’ are. We wonder how they feel about being called ‘faggots.’ Surely, not great. And what of others who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. They have witnessed Minden Pride make great strides in the past eight years, but surely must be discouraged every time something like this happens.
As a community, we are often too dismissive of not only homophobic slurs, but racial slurs. We turn a blind eye. We find excuses. Some hold the same biases but would never disclose them publicly for fear of being perceived as not politically correct.
For example, I have heard people in this County complain about immigrants they say are taking locals’ jobs. However, they do not realize that there are no locals willing or able to take on some of these jobs. Were it not for the immigrants who have chosen to live and work in Haliburton County, we would be much worse off.
I believe in celebrating diversity – as do 90 per cent of Highlanders. I have already marked Nov. 16 on my calendar and cannot wait for the Diwali night that is being organized by Dance Happens Here Haliburton to celebrate the Indian festival of lights.
For those who do not know, every region in India has distinctive traditions for commemorating Diwali, but whatever the customs, there is agreement that Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance. It’s time all Highlands’ residents do the same.
