Brian - My Blog

Hello Community members and allies,

I was hoping you could take a moment and help an important cause affecting many abroad and the City Of Toronto.

I have been born and raised in Toronto, I have always been proud to Canadian, to be Torontonian and to have the privilege of working, volunteer and advocating for LGBPATTI2QQ Communities in Toronto and abroad. Sadly, my view on being “Torontonian” has changed – I cannot take pride in a city that outlaws a social justice movement.

Please signed the petition "Stop the City allow pride to be a space for all!" and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.  Our goal is to reach 10,000 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition

http://www.change.org/petitions/stop-the-city-allow-pride-to-be-a-space-for-all

I hope we can all ask that City Councilors to recognize the importance of supporting pride and pay attention to City Officials which reported that Pride and Queers Against Israel Apartheid has followed all Cities policy’s.  

In Solidarity, with LGBTTI2QQ Palestinians - who are afraid and having there social justice movement outlawed by the FORD administration!   

Brian De Matos

brian.dematos@gmail.com

The argument on the use of the phrase “Israel Apartheid” as hate speech is not only wrong but also fundamentally damaging to have such a mind frame – “A government may do no wrong” has in earth’s history been tragic at best for humanity. I understand and sympathies with the history of Israel and what it means for individuals who identify being Jewish. However, threw out this campaign; no one is questioning the legitimacy of the state of Israel or the Jewish identity. What we are questioning is Israel’s policy and treatment of the Palestine people.

I beg everyone to fully understand what is happening – essentially a human rights movement to end apartheid (same as the early 1990s with South Africa). I beg of the individuals who believe being a “proper Jew” means defending Israel and all there actions no matter what, is not only consequently the loss of Palestine lives but the damage toll it does to Israel – having violence and oppression in a land viewed by many as there holy land is not only foolish but unproductive. Progress is done only when people questioning institutions and governments and accountability is created.     

Supporting Israel means questioning its policies! The only way this holy land to many, can accomplish peace is by ending Israel’s Apartheid, again I am not sure were that “hate speech” comes from when you are just questioning policy and advocating for peace in Israel.

We all have to release the consequences to this – essentially A Human Rights Movement is being silenced - systematically silenced by the city of Toronto - If it happens here were can the movement start?

 Questioning a government’s policy is not hate speech - it’s how we progress its how we create accountability! Israel is strong enough and capable to be held accountable, it needs to be if it were to become a better place.

I have been born and raised in Toronto, I have always been proud to Canadian, to be Torontonian and to have the privilege of working, volunteer and advocating for LGBPATTI2QQ Communities in Toronto and abroad. Sadly, my view on being “Torontonian” has changed – I cannot take pride in a city that outlaws a social justice movement.

I strongly feel that the City of Toronto Mayor and Councilors should respect and value Toronto LGBTT2Q Communities development to determine who and how to manage our annual pride event, along with decisions, regarding participation.

The LGBTT2Q Pride festival must be determined by our values that recognize the high importance of equity, social justice and the celebration of diversity. Last year Pride Toronto worked hard and closely with LGBTT2Q Communities in many extensive public consultations as a result, the community can decide how we want to celebrate our pride. This process was the result of protest and complaints regarding the participation of Queers against Israel Apartheid.

The Pride festival is an important and culturally significant event that has the attendance by over a million people each year. In addition to heighten the city’s economy; as well as highlighting the City of Toronto’s commitment to human right and diversity and valuing all members of the LGBTT2Q identified individuals in this city.   

I ask that City Councilors to recognize the importance of supporting pride and pay attention to City Officials which reported that Pride and Queers Against Israel Apartheid has followed all Cities policy’s.

In Solidarity, with LGBTTI2QQ Palestinians - who are afraid and having there social justice movement outlawed by the FORD administration!

Brian De Matos