What comes to mind when someone says to you that this is a case of “National Security”? I know from my understanding it means something of importance and that we are talking about values held by our country. But the values that were held by our country years ago might have been a moving target to sanitize our nation.

In Dr. Gary Kinsmen and Patricia Gentile newly released book “The Canadian War on Queers”, National Security as Sexual Regulation, by UBC Press, (450 pg.) is a must read for any gay or lesbian person wanting a historical perspective of what happened many years ago, but it also may raise questions about the conduct of our society today in issues of National Security.

If someone were to approach you and say “it is a case of National Security”, i think most would cooperate to ensure that our secrets are not divulged to foreign countries or spies. Winding back the clock to the 40′s, 50s’, 60′s and 70′s this book provides an overview of the time before the Charter Rights and Freedoms and the Human Rights Acts by both province and state.

Dr. Gary Kinsmen came to Lakehead University, in Thunder Bay, to give a talk on his new book and it was fascinating to hear the stories and analysis of what took place in our country many years ago.

Queers in the 50′s were considered to be fellow travellers with communists and deemed to have a “character weakness” which left them open to blackmail. Not only were they queer but a perceived threat to society. In that time if you worked for the government in the Public Service, the RCMP, or the Canadian Forces you were susceptible to harassment from the security regime, especially if you were being promoted to another level that required higher security clearance.

We all know from our personal journeys of being gay that coming out is a lifelong experience fraught with tension and questions as to how to tell our family or friends about our sexuality. If you hid your sexual orientation in the 50′s and 60′s, then you could be blackmailed by a foreign spy into exchanging state secrets. Although this was considered a threat by the RCMP there are very few cases of this ever occurring.

With the RCMP involved in the security reviews of potential gay or lesbian employees of the government, many people’s careers were finished, in fact thousands were demoted, never advanced, retired or resigned from their work as they were unable to acquire security clearance to move to the next level. Some even committed suicide because of the shame of being found out.

The real blackmailers were the RCMP who when conducting their interrogation with confirmed homosexual would promise leniency in the laws of the day, and ask for names of other queers in the community. The book outlines many first hand accounts of the interrogations and sets up for further analysis through documents acquired from the Access to Information Act, to hear both sides of the story.

This book has been a decade in the making and the historical perspectives are very interesting to say the least for it is able to capture a wide understanding of the topic at hand of the National Security discourse. In the 50′s and 60′s heterosexuality was the norm, anything else did not fit the heterosexual stereotype and was considered deviant and against the interest of the state. So it was through the actions of security screenings that gay and lesbians lost their jobs because they were considered a threat to “National Security”. The book also outlines the growing resistance to this campaign by the gay and lesbian community as in the 70′s Homophile groups took to the streets and made a presents known that it was ok to be gay and lesbian.

For people wanting to understand the challenges of gay and lesbian people in the past, this book is a great read. Although at times the language is saturated with terminology it is certainly understandable to the average reader. Considering todays challenges with the War on Terror, Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America and even the holding of the Olympic Games are all reason for thought on what the powers of the state has in the protection of our national interests in the Interest of “National Security.”

This story continues to have legs with over 5,200 people signing up on facebook. Jake Raynard was attacked last week in the city after an argument outside a local “gay” bar.

Facebook a social internet medium, has united people who have continued to offer support where it is needed, with Raynard.

Now here in Thunder Bay, people are able to unite to address the communities concerns. This is wonderful, for you only need to think back five years and this sort of connection would not be there.

Tonight there is going to be a vigil to support; a community in need and a city and region that has some healing to do. It is the response of that community that defines the community, not the crime.

Below are the details of the event and i am posting today, (click on link to see) Jake Raynard- In his own words

Tomorrow i hope to bring you a live streamed video of the vigil and guest speakers. I will also be filing a report with xtra.ca . Stay tuned!

—facebook events posting—-

The level of support coming forth is overwhelming. The community is rallying around Jake and taking a firm stance against hate crimes in our community. Let’s spread that sentiment as far we can:

1. A RALLY IS TAKING PLACE FRIDAY AT 6 PM IN WAVERLY PARK. All people who support Jake and believe that this action has no place in our community are asked to attend. More details will be solidified shortly.

2. A FUND HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR JAKE. This fund is dedicated to permit Jake access to legal consultation, rehabilitation treatments, and some basic income while unable to work. Donations can be made through the Bay Credit Union at 142 South Algoma Street
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 3B8. If you do not live in Thunder Bay but would like to contribute you can mail a cheque made out to “John Raynard” (official name) to the address listed above.

As an ambassador i feel it is my duty to report not only the things that make my life enjoyable as a gay man, but also the circumstances that challenge me.

Sunday morning i got an email regarding an assault of a young gay man suffering from a flying brick to the face, here in my city of Thunder Bay. If that doesn’t stop you cold, certainly the empathy for this man does.

John (Jake) Raynard, a well liked individual, standing outside a small gay bar that is cloistered in its own identity, light up a cigarette on a Friday night like any other night, except trouble lurks in dark places. A group of young men, used words to insight hate, words not worthy to repeat, but all the same, words that challenge the foundation of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms in this country.

In a matter of moments things escalated, as of course they would, when ignorance fuels the minds of idle youth and Raynard, a real man, managed to get his friends to safety by quickly ferrying them off into a cab. Raynard stayed behind only to be met later with a brick in the face. Waking up Saturday afternoon in the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre he is consoled by friends who are horrified that yes this can happen in our backyard.

As i watched facebook climb today from 85 and upward past five hundred, i can feel the community pull together. I hear my phone ring again and again as people call with their news, or give me further information, or my phone blips again as another email heads my way. Like many in my community, heads are still spinning, mouths are left wide open in some cases, and as the day moved on solid solutions are being worked forward to move from this insipid mess. How could this happen?

Think for a moment, for the youth that were involved in this bashing, they have grown up with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, that is all they have ever known. They have heard for the last 25 years about; the fight for same sex marriage, AIDS, or for equal rights for gay (GLBT) people. And this is the result that we as a community must now contend with, HATE! Hate on the streets that we once walked as children and now ruled by the law of gang mentality!?

When does this the hate stop, and the acceptance of people to love who they wish to love begin? When does my community begin to heal from this horrible abuse? I hope that justice is served not only to the brick slayers, but to the general population of my community who deserve better and who work hard to make lives happy. Not tending to a young man in a hospital waiting for another surgery and wondering if he can get over the personal trauma he has suffered. Today is a day i wish i never had to see. The community of Thunder Bay now needs the strength to overcome this unjust happening, so that people may live their lives as they have chosen. Free from hate.

Thunder Bay like many other smaller cities in Canada, suffers from not being able to provide a social sustenance that the GLBT community requires, desires and wants. If you are twenty something, here the local university offers a small haven with several social events during the year. But when school is finished the outward migration south, east and west begins with GLBT people often finding themselves in the Big Smoke (Toronto) or enjoying the pacific breeze in Vancouver.

What is a gay boy to do, who decides to make a life in the Canadian outback?  Break out, break free and travel! Viva Mexico!

In my last post our esteemed Ambassador Captain asked, what do people who are older do when it comes to living lives in a city like Thunder Bay? Don’t get me wrong the city is great if you are motivated to experience the outdoors and are an active community player, but there comes a time to break loose and explore other cultures, history, and warmer climbs.

Boarding a plane south to the City of Mexico, my journey is to discover the gay Latin life and will consist of six stops along the way. In this growing and developing country (in some places) i hope to l learn more about myself while devouring the culture and vibrant character of the Mexican people. There is an immediate euphoria that envelops the soul when you are surrounded by 23 million people trying to survive in one of the most densely populated centers of the world. The colour, the history, the culture and the strength of the Mexican spirit is intoxicating.

The Zona Rosa is the collecting point for the Gay and Lesbian population outside of some of the popular tourist resorts.  The area located close to centre of the city, with its colonial buildings and many trees is  a comfortable space of liberalism not seen in most of Mexico. With a population of 85 percent Catholics it is not hard to understand why there is security in numbers with the numerous clubs, cafe and restaurants providing a wide expanse of sensual delights. Sometimes when we travel alone, we would wish that others could share in our experience. I am providing you with a short video of part of my Mexico City experience. Enjoy!

Thunder Bay, Jan. 2, 2009

The City of Thunder Bay on the north shore of Lake Superior is in a state of transition. From the early days of the blue collar trade through the port comes something with a bit more colour, “God Save the Queen” or it could have read “God Save the Queers”.

Like many cities of its size in Canada, the city offers few collection points for the GLBT community. In fact there is little to speak of as the regular socials have become extinct and there is no exclusive gay bar.

Advertised on-line, the “God Save the Queen” event boasted a night of drag shows with drag queens and drag kings. Something to crack the cool air of winter with excitement and some hot performances.  The event held at Pier 61, a second floor saloon, often referred to as the “Queer Pier” was packed with a predominance of women and a smaller number of men.

Jimmy Wiggins, event promoter, says he “wanted to throw a party and for people to have a good time”. He accomplish that, with outstanding performances given by Vega, Lady Fantasia, Boris, Dirt Bag Dean amongst others.

The inception of the event happened over coffee with a couple of local performers who helped organize the event. I asked Wiggins if he thought Thunder Bay was a friendly place for the GLBT community and he seemed to think so but said it “depends on what part of the city you are in”.

As I looked around I noted that the crowd was in the twenty something range and I asked Wiggins why there was only a younger crowd, he said “older people may feel intimidated by younger gay people” or because youth today connect and hear about activities on Facebook, MySpace or his website www.tbshows.com .

It’s wonderful to see that people in this community are trying to make a difference by organizing an event that entertains while bringing  people together on a white wintery night.

Lets hope that people like Wiggins can continue to bring more colour to the community as diversity equals strength, God Save the Queen!

World AIDS Day (December 1, 2008)  has come and gone with many events held  here in the City of Thunder Bay. I was drawn to, and awed by, the response in our community to the disease on a global level.

This is my first opportunity to speak to you from the “megatropolis” of Thunder Bay as your OUTtv Ambassador representing this city and region. I am honoured with the opportunity and will promise “not to let you down” by providing you with a rural outlook of being GLBT in the outback!

We are a small city of 109,000 people located at the top of Lake Superior, isolated but resilient and hard working to battle the issues of AIDS, not just in our community but around the world.

Although we are like many rural outposts in our country we have a very low population of GLBT people due to outward migration to bigger centres. This will be a common theme I will be writing to, later in my blog, but back to my thoughts on World AIDS Day in Thunder Bay.

AIDS Thunder Bay, one of the longest serving agencies in this country has been actively on the front lines of this issues of AIDS and how it impacts our community and they helped organize the breakfast. What was different about the World AIDS Day Breakfast was how many people are involved locally in the issue globally. In fact, I was blown away by the support my community has given to places like Africa where 250 people per day die of AIDS.

As I looked across the packed room where the 1st Annual World AIDS Day Breakfast was taking place I was later to feel proud of the accomplishments held by fellow participants. One after another, presentations were made, starting with a new clinic program for people with AIDS in the Thunder Bay. Dr. Greg Gamble, Communicable Disease Specialist with expertise in HIV/AIDS & Hep C is the Medical Director for AIDS Thunder Bay’s HIV Medical Clinical Care Program and he spoke to the stats and the figures of  serving people with the disease.

Dr. Steve Klaussen, Bicycles for Humanity, presented his story of how bicycles are collected locally and then sent in a shipping container, that act as both a storage vessel and bike repair shop, into the heart of Africa. These bicycles provide transport for doctors and nurses to attend to people suffering with AIDS, but also provide much needed transport for the villagers. As Dr. Klaussen said “Bicycles are like trucks in the rural areas, where they can be fashioned into ambulances, transport goods and services to people in need”.

There were many other presentations by individuals and groups supporting People with AIDS (PWA) including; Ray Dunn from Nu-Vision, Donna White from World Vision and Caring Hands represented by John Grabish and special guest Pastor Hannu from Kampala, he is a representative of FIDA International as well as Caring Hands; his wife’s name is Milla and was also was in attendance, she is the founder for Caring Hands.

Others included, Habitat for Humanity and Friends of Africa, Global Health Program, Global Conscience, Africa Matters  and Grandmothers for Africa.

To conclude, I was totally amazed at the help that these people from my city and region, who I knew nothing about, to assist those with AIDS in the worlds, especially Africa. It left me with the question, “What can I do? “

In future blogs, I will be speaking to; some project work I will be attending to in our community, to understand better the challenges people with AIDS have and also the means in which I could do my part.

Please send me your comments and questions, so we can all make a difference in this complex world we now live.