GSA Summary – June 2, 2024
We are Roxanne Cowlthorp and Tenley Dyck from the local Gender Sexuality Alliance which is independent of any church affiliation.
The Boissevain and area GSA began when a handful of us got together in September of 2016, recognizing a need to support the LGBTQ community and its allies. We wished to create an opportunity to share and learn from each other in a confidential setting.
And we would also like to express our gratitude to the Indigenous peoples of Treaty 2 territory who have cared for these lands since time immemorial. We recognize that homophobia and transphobia were brought here through colonization and that the fight against these forms of oppression requires real action; action beyond the performative nature of statements like this.
There is a quote by Abraham Maslow (MAZ-low) that sums things up for us pretty well: In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth, or to step back into safety.
We chose to step forward! It became clear that there were youth in the community and surrounding areas who needed the support of such a group. But they certainly were not the only ones. We have grown to a reach of several dozen people, ranging in age from 15 through 80-something, from a wide demographic – from within the queer community as well as their allies.
We provide educational opportunities, guest speakers, movies/videos/documentaries, advocacy, and most of all – support – for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and its allies.
Did you know?
-that we have an Instagram page? @boissevainandareagsa
-that there are more than 60 area businesses who display mini-Pride flags for the month of June – and some actually keep them up year-round?
-that we (together with the Boissevain Library) have many resources and information available, including children’s books?
-that we have movie & popcorn nights?
-that we have a Pride Display in the Town Library for the month of June? You are welcome to join us for the set-up tomorrow!
-that we support Brandon Pride and participate in their Pride Parade (June 15 this year) and that we have a display table at Pride in the Park immediately following the parade?
We have learned a lot over the past 8 or so years.
It takes courage to be the only church in town to be affirming and have a Pride service.
It takes courage to fly the Pride flag, whether you are Town Council or a property owner.
It takes courage to share posts, or comment on social media in support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
It takes courage to display a small Pride flag in your place of business or to wear a pin on your lapel.
It takes courage to respect a person’s pronouns.
It takes courage to speak up when you hear trans, bi, or homophobic comments.
All these courageous acts, and so many more have been demonstrated by many of you – and that translates into LOVE. And isn’t that what it’s all about? All we were asked to do was – to love one another. No small print, no conditions – just pure, unconditional love.
Sometimes we are asked if our GSA Group is really necessary. Unfortunately, the answer is – absolutely YES!
When your gender identity and sexual orientation is questioned and judged! it becomes increasingly difficult to know who you can trust. Our group is a safe and confidential space to express pain, frustration, and joy.
The attacks on an already marginalized group – whether in person, on social media, or in church – are hurtful and damaging. At our core, our Group is about suicide prevention.
Thank you, St. Paul’s, for this opportunity to share – not only today, but for your support over the past 8 years. I well remember your Affirming service in April of 2016. That also took a lot of courage.
To wrap this up, we’d like to quote the author John Pavlovitz: Keep loving people. It’s the antidote to all that afflicts us.