Robin Perelle
Editor - Xtra! West Newspaper
501 – 1053 Davie Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 1M7
July 3, 2008
Dear Editor,
After reading your article about the incident that occurred at this year’s Eastside Pride festival (“Eastside Pride Ends in Violence”, July 3, 2008), I am compelled to share my outrage at this blatant act of violence and intolerance.
Eastside Pride is more than just an event; the festival takes place on the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, during which the gay rights movement exploded into the streets of New York City. It is about celebrating hard-fought rights, and looking toward a future of equality for GLBTQ2 persons – both here at home and around the world.
I enjoyed my day at the festival. I spoke with people one-on-one about issues of concern to them. I watched and listened to wonderfully diverse musical performances. I thanked the volunteers at the Vancouver Pride Society for their hard work and dedication.
To have the day marked by violence is a sobering reminder of how far we must go in the struggle for equality; and while I did not witness the incident in question, I condemn it in the strongest terms possible.
I am looking forward to celebrating an even bigger Eastside Pride in 2009, and invite your readers to do the same. Let us join together in solidarity against those who seek to intimidate through violence.
Sincerely,
Hon. Hedy Fry, MP
cc: Vancouver Pride Society
