(June 15, 2021) – Lela Evans, MHA for Torngat Mountains, says recent reports of burned Pride flags at metro area schools are disappointing and it is a reminder that much work is still needed to ensure the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is accepted and more importantly safe.

“I came out and stayed out through the 1980s and 90s so I know firsthand of the prejudice and abuse that was directed toward the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Unfortunately, back then hostility and violence directed toward our community was accepted and tolerated. Many lives were ruined and even lost only because a person’s sexual orientation or gender identification was different than what society deemed normal and acceptable.” said Evans

Evans says during Pride Month we remember how far the 2SLGBTQIA+ community has come in the march for equality, and remind ourselves of how much further we have to come – especially for the transgender community.

“We have made huge strives as a modern society. Today we recognize that difference has to be assumed and inclusion instead of exclusion is the acceptable behavior,” said Evans.

“With this in mind, I hope the students attending school in Mount Pearl and Paradise – and throughout the province – are not discouraged by these acts of vandalism. May they rise above it and use it as a teaching opportunity. The thread of the growth of society depends upon the quality of education that is being imparted, so we are relying on you to advance the growth of an inclusive society.”

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca