Today’s letters: How to support the rights of the LGBTQ2+ community

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Canada can boost LGBTQ rights

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Re: LGBTQ activists seek help, prudence from Canada in raising rights issues, May 24.

Raising awareness of LGBTQ+ rights and promoting their protection in countries where people face persecution and discrimination is crucial. Here are some ways the Canadian government can contribute to this cause.

The government can exert diplomatic pressure on countries that violate LGBTQ+ rights, such as raising concerns through official statements, engaging in diplomatic dialogue, and using bilateral and multilateral platforms to advocate for change. It can make financial aid and development assistance conditional on respect for LGBTQ+ rights. It can provide funding and support to local LGBTQ+ organizations in countries where their rights are under threat.

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The government can collaborate with local activists and organizations to launch public awareness campaigns that challenge societal prejudices and stereotypes. It can create and expand policies that provide asylum and refugee status to LGBTQ+ individuals facing persecution in their home countries. This sends a clear message that human rights violations based on sexual orientation or gender identity will not be tolerated.

The government can also encourage businesses and civil society organizations to promote LGBTQ+ rights in their operations, and partnerships can have a positive impact, such as promoting inclusive workplaces, supporting LGBTQ+ rights organizations, and leveraging economic influence to advocate for change.

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Finally, it is important to approach these efforts with cultural sensitivity, recognizing that change takes time and should be driven by local voices and organizations. Collaboration, dialogue and partnership with local LGBTQ+ activists and organizations are vital to ensure that the interventions are contextually appropriate and respectful of local cultures and traditions.

Dono Bandoro, Ottawa

Let’s talk about drag artists

In recent weeks there has been increased public concern regarding the influence drag artists have on young minds. It’s gotten to the point that in the United States there are states that have made “drag” illegal.

In March 2023, Dolly Parton said, “I dress more provocatively and  risqué than any drag queen in Tennessee. Lord I hope they don’t outlaw me!” She isn’t wrong, but also who cares how anyone dresses?

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I come from a place of privilege: I identify as a cis-heteronormative gay man who happens to also be a physician. The work that drag artists — who often do not come from a place of privilege — have done for my mental health and my ability to feel safe and heard is beyond the description of a short letter.

We can all do better and we must. The queer community is under attack and it’s time we all educated ourselves further on these issues.

This isn’t about queer individuals reading books to children. This is about accepting that drag is art; this is about accepting that sex work is real work; and this is about not treating others who are trying to make an honest living poorly.

I think most people will agree that a number of systems are broken. Let’s not be part of the problem. Support your artists — all of them.

Michael Multan, MD, Vancouver