Update [Nov-16]: Our McMaster Marauders were proud to walk in support of a more inclusive community in McMaster's Pride Parade today. Combined with a growing list of Positive Space training participants, Athletics & Recreation and the QSCC took many steps forward again in our commitment to creating an inclusive McMaster community.
Update [Oct-27]: CHML's Bill Kelly used Rick Mercer's passionate call to action (see his latest 'Rant' video on the right) as a jump-off to discuss the issues, a call to make it better and shares a local Hamilton perspective in his discussion with Lyla Miklos. [Listen to Bill's Oct-27 @ 11:49am show]
Sheldon Francis, decorated Marauder athlete, Olympic wrestling hopeful and national level coach, hesitated for only a moment when asked if he would walk in the McMaster Pride Parade on November 8, 2010, clearly deep in thought. He quickly rallied. Why? Sheldon, a man with muscles on top of muscles, trained to fold people in half until they submit, thoughtfully responded: "As a young black man, I know people of all backgrounds walked on my behalf in the Civil Rights movement. I guess it's my turn to walk for someone else." And so he attended Positive Space training and walked, proudly, alongside co-workers, students and athletes in McMaster's Pride Parade, showing his support for a more inclusive sport community.
Fast-forward one year, and McMaster Athletics & Recreation is still learning and leading alongside the McMaster Students Union's Queer Students Community Centre, working to address homophobia in sport. Positive Space training sessions are again scheduled for this November, coinciding with the QSCC Pride Week and Parade. Athletics & Recreation students, staff and athletes plan to join the parade again in 2011.
The Marauders will be well represented at Pride 2011, with McMaster's Men's Basketball team leading the way. Amos Connolly, Head Coach, highlighted his team's motivation: "This is not simply about being gay or lesbian - it's about supporting an end to discrimination. Collectively, we are able to make a strong endorsement towards acceptance rather than alienation - love rather than hate," said Connolly. Marauder Football and Men's Rugby teams, as well as the 175 athlete Women's Flag Football Club have also pledged their support.
What can you do? The voices of hate and discrimination are often loud and proud, and always hurtful, raising the importance of outspoken, proud allies beyond measure. Matt Algren of
Asterisk Blog notes "If I’ve learned anything these last couple years, it’s that we need our straight friends and family members who are passively supportive to take the next step to
active advocacy.
" What can you do? Watch the video below.
RSVP to attend Positive Space training. Walk in the Parade. Above all, commit to pushing past complacency and
correct yourself or say something when you witness homophobia, even if the intent wasn't to hurt...
especially if the intent wasn't to hurt.
Pride Parade: Why are you walking?
November 16, 2011
3:30-4:00pm
Athletics & Recreation will meet outside the Maroon Shop at 3:15pm before joining the parade in the Mills/MUSC Courtyard.
Why are you walking? However you show your support - wearing your Ally pin, walking in the parade - let us know in the comments below. Love Twitter? Go ahead and have your hash-tag fun too (try MacPride and GoMacGo).
