Arts

What are we doing about gaybashing?

Queer leaders discuss hate crimes

By Nathaniel Christopher • February 27, 2008 7:00 pm EDT

WHEN WILL HATE CRIMES STOP? 'I just can't believe, 20 years apart, these two exact crimes happened,' said Denise Norman, Aaron Webster's cousin.

Following the Feb 23 performance of Steel Kiss, a panel of queer leaders discussed homophobia and gaybashing.

Steel Kiss is based on the 1985 murder of Kenneth Zeller, a Toronto gay man. The play had profound resonance with a community that hasn’t forgotten the 2001 murder of Aaron Webster.

Speakers included Jim Deva (owner of Little Sister’s bookstore), Allan Zeller (Kenneth Zeller’s brother), Denise Norman (Aaron Webster’s cousin), Peter Toppings (LGTB Centre education and outreach co-ordinator), Ross Johnstone (Out in Schools), and Steve Mulligan, (Anti-homophobia and Diversity Consultant, Vancouver School Board).

Check out Xtra.ca’s video report below:

Can’t see the video above?
Check out the clip on Xtra.ca’s YouTube channel

Read More About:
Power, Vancouver, Arts

Keep Reading

Politics

Pete Hegseth announces gender-affirming care for low-T soldiers

Military men over 30 will be screened annually for testosterone levels and can access testosterone replacement therapy to access “maximum psychological and mental readiness”
Politics

Jamil Jivani’s comments about Pride show how he wants you to hate him

The Conservative MP’s culture war posts about Prime Minister Mark Carney’s attendance at Toronto Pride are bait for persecution points
Politics

The most banned books in Alberta school libraries

These titles have been removed from libraries in five or more school divisions this year
Politics

The Tumbler Ridge shooting is already fuelling anti-trans hate in Canada

Bad actors on the right are leaping to connect the shooter’s trans identity to the violence
Advertisement