The concept of being “gay-friendly” is all well and good, but the aftermath of the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Florida has raised serious questions about the continuing prevalence of homophobia in our society.
Since the shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando during the early hours of Sunday, June 12, many have been distracted by an unproven theory that it was an act of Islamic terrorism.
Unable to directly link 29-year-old shooter Omar Mateen to any terrorist groups, authorities are now investigating the deaths of approximately 50 people, and injuries to another 53, as a potential hate crime against the gay community.
Was the Pulse shooting a hate crime? Damn right it was a hate crime.
Just as the Montreal Massacre in 1989 was committed by a misogynist targeting women, the Pulse shooting was the result of a homophobe targeting gays.
But what is homophobia, exactly, and how does it begin? Homophobia is a social disease that is rooted in ignorance and fear. Like any social disease, homophobia spreads very fast if not combatted.
Perhaps Mateen learned to hate gay people at an early age, or maybe his hatred toward them grew as he reached adulthood. Whatever the case, his disease was left untreated and resulted in the deaths of approximately 50 innocent people.
Obviously, the Pulse shooting is an extreme case; a nightmare version of a social problem that needs to be addressed with acceptance, support, persistence and so much more.
Like every city in the world, Powell River still has much work to do in order for our gay population, which, thankfully, is strong and growing, to feel empowered and safe.
Let’s start with the basics. Derogatory terminology for gay people is still commonplace in our community and schools. These terms, which need not be repeated, are used chronically as insults among straight people. Even the word “gay” itself is thrown around with negative connotations.
Homophobia is a deeply rooted social problem that begins small and, as seen in Orlando, can balloon until it is overwhelmingly violent. Hate is infectious, but love is always the cure.
So, why should we all challenge even the subtlest forms of homophobia? Because the seeds of hate grow much faster than any of us would like to admit.
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the Pulse shooting.
Jason Schreurs, publisher/editor
