Note: We recognize that the terminology in this article may be new to some folks – we’ve linked to resources where you can learn more. If you’d like to deepen your understanding of 2SLGBTQIA+ terminology and communities, please reach out!

This month, we celebrate the diverse Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual and additional identities (2SLGBTQIA+) people and communities[1] in Chatham-Kent!

The History of Pride

Many people are unaware that pride celebrations started as protests. In the U.S.A., in June 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club, in Greenwich Village, New York. The raid led to six days of riots and protests by residents, staff, and bar patrons, many of whom were racialized trans people. The riots, now known as the ‘Stonewall riots’ were a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States, and around the World.

In Canada, similar raids happened in Toronto in the early 1970s, leading to protests for rights and protections for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Canada. The first pride week was held in major cities across Canada in August in 1973 to rally for equal rights. This is why some communities in Canada honour Pride in August instead of June.

Of course, throughout time and history there has been celebration of, and resistance among, what we now call 2SLGBTQIA+ people and communities.

Learn about Pride flags from the Canadian Museum of Human Rights.

How is Pride celebrated today?

Although many people recognize Pride month in June, there is a growing movement to use the term Pride season in recognition of the diverse history of 2SLGBTQIA rights movements and the various times and ways Pride is celebrated. Now, Pride gatherings are used to honour the work that has been done and to raise awareness about the work still needed to achieve respect, dignity, safety, and rights for all 2SLGBTQIA+ people. It's also a time when people who may feel unsafe or marginalized because of their identities have a short window of time and place to honour their authentic selves. Events include parades, rallies, workshops, concerts as well as memorials and commemorations for community members, family, and friends who lost someone due to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS.

How is Pride Honoured in Chatham-Kent?

In Chatham-Kent, Pride is celebrated in August, with a week of events organized by CK Pride.

Learn about local Pride events on the CK Pride website.

Learn about CK Pride's history on the CK Pride website.

While celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ people and communities is important, we also recognize that these communities continue to face barriers and inequities.

People who are 2SLGBTQIA+ can face negative employment experiences and significant inequities in the labour market. For example, recent research in Ontario found that despite having a higher level of education than the general population, on average, 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience stigma, exclusion, and discrimination during recruitment, hiring, and while working for organizations. As a result, people who are 2SLGBTIA+ are:

• Less likely to be employed*
• Earn less money
• More likely to face poverty
• Experience lower job satisfaction

People’s experiences are also impacted by the other identities they hold, including things like race, class, abilities, religion, and more. These identities overlap with people’s sexual orientation (attraction to others) or gender identity (sense of their gender) to shape their experience in the world. So, for example, a Black, Transgender, Straight, Woman may experience racism, transphobia, and sexism and, therefore, have a different experience than a White, Gay, Man, who is Cisgender (sense of gender aligns with sex assigned at birth). Learn more about the idea of intersectionality.

How Can We Create An Inclusive Community for 2SLGBTQIA+ people?

We can work together to create a safe and inclusive Chatham-Kent for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and communities. We've listed some ways below.

1. Participate in training and learning opportunities.

To understand and use inclusive language and your own biases (we all have them!). CK Pride has many resources available on their website.

2. Don’t make assumptions about sexual orientation (who someone is attracted to).

Avoid comments that assume someone is heterosexual, or straight. For example, instead of asking whether someone has a boyfriend/husband, you might ask if they are in a relationship (if you need to ask at all).

3. Use gender-neutral language.

Practice using people, person, parent, customer, etc. vs he, her, man, woman, ladies, gentlemen, Mr. or Mrs. Even if you know the person you are talking with identifies with male or female, using gender-neutral terms signals that you understand that gender is more complicated than the male/female binary and value people who don’t fit in to either one of those categories.

Listen closely to the pronouns (i.e. they, she, he, etc.) people use to describe themselves, rather than assuming. If you make a mistake, apologize, and continue the conversation with their correct pronouns.

4. Understand that there is diversity within 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

Because people hold many different identities, no two experiences of being 2SLGBTQIA+ are the same. People’s experiences are also impacted by the other identities they hold, including things like race, class, abilities, religion, and more. These identities overlap with people’s sexual orientation (attraction to others) or gender identity (sense of their gender) to shape their experience in the world. So, for example, a Black, Transgender, Straight, Woman may experience racism, transphobia, and sexism and, therefore, have a different experience than a White, Cisgender (sense of gender aligns with sex assigned at birth), Gay, Man. Learn more about the idea of intersectionality.

5. Interrupt homophobia, biphobia, or transphobia.

If safe to do so, do not stay silent when you are witnessing or experiencing homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic comments or jokes.

If you see someone making assumptions, ask questions about it.

Egale Canada has a great resource on how to respond with allyship.

[1] Language and terminology change over time. For explanations of these terms and others, see page 8 of the Coalition for Inclusive Municipalities Toolkit for Inclusive Municipalities or Trans Wellness Ontario’s Glossary of Terms.

Resources:

CK Pride: Brings together members of Two Spirit, Trans, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer communities within Chatham-Kent.

Rainbow Health Ontario: Provides relevant and reliable LGBT2SQ health resources for Ontario LGBT2SQ communities, service providers and others with an interest in LGBT2SQ health.

Egale Canada: National organization in Canada that improves the lives of 2SLGBTQI+ people through informing public policy and promoting human rights through research, education, awareness, and legal advocacy.

Positive Spaces Initiatives: Support for organizations serving immigrants and refugees to share resources and increase organizational capacity to serve LGBTQ+ newcomers effectively, they offer free agency trainings.

Queer Events: Provides educational material, upcoming events, promotional material, and resources. Has a Queer Events Page for Queer Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, and Older Adults.

What is today? PANSEXUAL AWARENESS AND VISIBILITY DAY!

Today we celebrate the pansexual community nationally and in Chatham. Today brings opportunities for everyone to reflect on how we can further educate others and ourselves on how to be better allies each and every day.

What is pansexuality?

The romantic and/or sexual attraction towards others regardless of their sex or gender.

Important things to keep in mind:

Pan means “all”, and the word pansexuality originally comes from Greek. However, pansexual people are not attracted to all other people, rather they are attracted to individuals from all gender-diverse backgrounds. Similar to how a heterosexual woman will not be attracted to all men. Pansexual individuals experience attraction to specific people, and not just others.

Pansexuality and bisexuality are different, and the two aren’t mutually exclusive. This means that an individual who identifies as bisexual means they are attracted to more than one gender. Someone who is pansexual means that they are attracted to people regardless of their gender identity.

Pansexuality is a part of what makes someone who they are but does not shape their whole identity. A pansexual person may also be trans, may live with a disability, or be a person of colour, or all three! There are many layers to one’s identity, and today is about celebrating everyone’s unique identities and the pansexual community!

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the DEIJ Team.

On May 21st, Canada celebrates World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue Development. Canada was the first country in the world to officially celebrate this significant day when it was first received at the 33rd UNESCO General Conference. Today is about celebrating diversity of cultures in Canada and Chatham-Kent.

What is Cultural Diversity?

A common misconception is that cultural diversity refers to only race or ethnicity. Culture helps shape individual’s identities, which makes every person culturally diverse.

Our community includes people from various walks of life, backgrounds, and corners of the globe. People come from diverse religions, racial identities, ethnic groups, speak many languages, celebrate various holidays, listen to all kinds of music, eat different foods, and have various values systems.

Benefits of Cultural Diversity in our Community:

This day highlights how important it is for communities to promote and celebrate cultural diversity. Cultural diversities bring in various perspectives, knowledge, expertise, literature, art, music, food, history, religion, food and more! Other benefits include:

• Creates safer communities and promotes social inclusion and feelings of representation
• Brings open-mindedness and empathy for one another
• Multiple voices, perspectives, and personalities bouncing off one another can give rise to out-of-the-box thinking and problem-solving
• Greater appreciation and opportunity to learn new languages, arts, history, foods, and ways of thinking

Benefits of Cultural Diversity in the Workplace:

Increased creativity: a culturally diverse workforce means unique perspectives, ways of thinking, problem solving, and talents to add to the team.

• Skilled immigrants bring in new education, work experiences, and a global business understanding which keeps Canadian businesses competitive.
• Increased customer satisfaction: better services for customers, organization, and partners especially with individuals who speak various languages.
• Welcoming and inclusive workplace encourages staff members to be themselves, and to embrace their differences to come together as one team.

Supporting Cultural Diversity:

Despite there being many policies, rights, and laws that protect people from various forms of discrimination, prejudices, and violence in Canada, people living in Canada are not always treated equally due to their cultural differences. In 2020, the number of police-reported hate crimes in Canada increased by 37%.

At the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, we strive to ensure that as an organization, people feel welcomed and can work and live authentically and proudly with their unique identities.

We can support and celebrate cultural diversity by:

1. Purposefully interacting with people who have different cultures
2. Understanding the benefits of cultural diversity
3. Furthering our own learning: research and learn about customs, traditions, and practices and be respectful and open to learning
4. Engage in cultural competence training: learn about the benefits here.
5. Remember that every individual has unique experiences, refrain from asking people to be a spokesperson for that group.
6. Speak up if you hear anyone being culturally insensitive
7. If you are exposed to any form of discrimination based on cultural differences ensure you report this to your manager, supervisor, or HR representative.

Resources:

Ethnocultural Community List: get connected with the various ethnocultural community here in Chatham-Kent.

Adult Language and Learning: promote and foster personal growth and adjustment for all, including immigrants, in Chatham-Kent through education, training, and opportunities that support independence and employment.”

CK Local Immigration Partnership: “a collaborative framework towards the development of coordinated, comprehensive and strategic approaches to immigration and integration that fits the needs of Chatham-Kent's recent immigrants, employers, and service providers.”

Windsor Women Working with Immigrant Women (W5): “assist immigrant and refugee women and their families to become full and participating members of Canadian Society.”

May 5^th is a day to remember and raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people in Canada. This day is also recognized by many across Turtle Island (North America) as Red Dress Day, as people hang a red dress as a visual reminder of Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people who have been murdered and as an act of solidarity for families or loved ones of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people.

The day can bring up a lot of heavy emotions for people. Please keep this in mind as you go about your day. We acknowledge people that may be feeling deep emotions today.

Inequities & Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls & Two-Spirit People

Systemic inequities have long impacted and threatened Indigenous cultures, health, opportunities, languages, and traditional practices. Colonialism, sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism have been significant factors in the disproportionate violence against Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people.

According to a report by the RCMP, 1017 Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people were murdered between 1980 and 2012. This rate is approximately 4.5 times higher than other women in Canada.[1]. However, many believe these numbers under-represent the true magnitude of violence against Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people, as they do not include people who are still missing, who were not identified as Indigenous during the investigation, or whose death was wrongly classified as an accident. Numbers alone don’t capture and tell the full stories of communities and families who have lost a loved one, and the trauma and impact that is experienced over generations. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities are all effected in diverse ways by these experiences of disproportionate violence.

About the Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People

As a result of the disproportionate violence towards Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit people, Indigenous and Human Rights agencies have called for action for decades. In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, supported the call for a national public inquiry into the disproportionate rate of victimization of Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people.

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls began on September 1^st, 2016. The inquiry heard testimonies from over 2,380 families and survivors, Knowledge Keepers, government officials, academics, and legal experts. On June 3rd, 2019, the National Inquiry's Final Report was completed. The Report delivers 231 Calls for Justice for social and legal changes in various institutions at all levels of government, including municipalities[2]. Like many before it, the report calls attention to the need to honour Indigenous, constitutional, and human rights. And, it calls for a decolonizing approach – learning about and implementing ways of understanding and working that include Indigenous perspectives, values, philosophies, and knowledge systems.

How Can we support Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People?

Through our work to develop the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice Strategy at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, we are having ongoing conversations about our role as decision-makers, and as an organization in promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice, including pathways to justice for Indigenous people and communities.

But, we all have a role to play in ensuring we are a safe community, for Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit people.

1. Review the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls to Justice. Page 29 of the linked document has Calls for All Canadians and page 30 has suggested resources.
   
   
2. Learn about the Indigenous people, communities and Nations in this region, including their values, languages, and systems of knowledge.
   
   
3. Take Indigenous Cultural Safety training. There can be big differences between Western and Indigenous knowledge systems, ways of understanding, and values. Popular online self-directed trainings are offered by San’yas and University of Alberta Faculty of Native Studies (free option).
   
   
4. Speak up when you hear or see comments that are racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or that don’t recognize the inherent worth of all people more generally

How can I Honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People?

Engaging in your own learning and un-learning is one way to honour the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit people. Taking action to apply your learning is even more important.

On Thursday, May 5^th, 2022 you can attend an MMIWG Awareness Day Vigil that will take place at the Bleak House (495 King Street West, Chatham, Ontario). Everyone is welcomed, and the vigil will include prayers, smudging ceremony, hand drums, and guest speakers. You may choose to wear red, but a red dress is not needed. Empty red dresses are hung to represent the spirits of missing and murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people.

Resources:

Read

“Missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls: Understanding the numbers” - Amnesty International Canada

Final Report | MMIWG (mmiwg-ffada.ca), and other important transcripts, publications, and submissions.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ National Action Plan, Urban Path to Reclaiming Power and Place, Regardless of Residency (mmiwg2splus-nationalactionplan.ca)

The Government of Canada: Release of 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People - Canada.ca

Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) and initiatives related to MMIWGS.

Listen

Finding Cleo CBC Podcast. The story behind one young Cree girl who went missing in the 1970s.

Watch

Highway of Tears documentary. About the missing and murdered women along a 724 kilometer stretch of highway in norther British Columbia.

Bonnie Devine, 2021 Governor General Award-Winning Artist's exhibition La Rábida, Soul of Conquest: An Anishinaabe Encounter is being displayed at the Thames Art Gallery in Chatham-Kent. Along with Devine's exhibition, David DeLeary, originally from Walpole Island will be composing a special live choral performance on Friday, May 13th for an opening reception and artist talk.

Darla Fisher-Odjig a local artist will be presenting her latest paintings and sculptures with Beneath the Mask and Lay of the Landfills along with a series of historical landscape paintings from the permanent collection as well.

The exhibition is at no cost, and is open for all to attend!

Gallery Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 11:00AM-4:00PM/ Friday, May 13th, 7:00-9:00PM

Opening reception with artists: May 13, 7:00-9:00PM

Visit Chatham-Kent | Thames Art Gallery for more information about the upcoming exhibitions.

Scroll below to learn more about the importance behind Bonnie Devine's nationally renowned exhibition. Hope to see you there!

Tales of Fantasy is a new exhibition coming to the Chatham-Kent Museum! The exhibition opens on Wednesday, May 4th, and will be operating during Museum hours 11:00AM-4:00PM.

The new exhibition will allow you to "immerse yourself in a fantastical universe, through Quebecois, Indigenous, and Canadian folktales." Tales of Fantasy speaks to the importance of oral traditions such as story-telling and folktales and Tegosis, the guide, will bring you through stories of life's big mysteries and natural phenomena's!

Visit Chatham-Kent | CK Museum to learn more about the upcoming exhibitions!

Scroll below to find out more about Tales of Fantasy!

Please click here to find more information for a half-day online learning opportunity for service providers. This online conference will provide you with tools and contextual understanding you will require to effectively interact with individuals of Low German background. This conference will provide a look into Low German Mennonite cultural values, and building awareness on how to better serve the community as a result of the pandemic as well.

Click here to register:

Details:

When: April 29, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Where: Online

Cost to register: $10 ($5 for volunteers and non-profit workers)

Please reach out if you have any feedback, comments, questions, or concerns.

Thank you,

Your DEIJ Team

One of our three areas of focus for the Municipal Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice (DEIJ) Strategy is to further DEIJ at our Municipal Council and Committees of Council.

2022 is a Municipal election year. Because of that, on February 7th, Municipal Council passed a motion to promote becoming a Municipal Councillor, or a member of a Committee of Council, in communities that are under-represented on those groups. At that meeting, a number of Councillors volunteered to act as resources for people from under-represented groups who are interested in getting involved in local government.

The Municipal DEIJ Team is supporting a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just Municipal Council by:

1) Sharing information about how to run for Council.

People who are interested in running for Municipal Council can submit their nomination forms between May 2nd and August 19th. If you or your organization are interested in learning more about how to get involved with Municipal Council, please visit the links below or contact our DEIJ Team before May 2nd.

Learn more about running for Municipal Council here.

General information about the Municipal election (including how to vote) is available here. A subscribe button will be available soon.

Applications for Committees of Council will open in the Fall. We will engage in outreach again at that time. In the meantime, learn about Committees of Council here.

2) Connecting people to Councillors.

Have questions about the process of running for Council? Or, what being a member of Council is really like? The Municipal Councillors listed below have volunteered to act as a resource for people in communities that are currently under-represented on Council. Councillors are listed in alphabetical order. You may contact Councillors from any Ward (it doesn't have to be your own).

Councillor Marjorie Crew, Ward 6, 519-436-3218, Marjorie.crew@chatham-kent.ca

Councillor Joe Faas, Ward 4, 519-436-3208, Joe.faas@chatham-kent.ca

Councillor Melissa Harrigan, Ward 1, 519-350-8254, Melissa.harrigan@chatham-kent.ca

Councillor Mary Clare Latimer, Ward 2, 519-436-3207, Maryclare.latimer@chatham-kent.ca

Councillor Brock McGregor, Ward 6, 519-350-2537, Brock.mcgregor@chatham-kent.ca

Councillor Carmen McGregor, Ward 5, 519-350-3659, Carmen.mcgregor@chatham-kent.ca

Councillor Trevor Thompson, Ward 2, 519-350-3715, Trevor.thompson@chatham-kent.ca

3) Learning about barriers and facilitators to Civic Engagement

The DEIJ team is gathering information to learn about what helps and keeps people in currently under-represented communities from engaging in Municipal Council, Committees of Council, and other forms of local Civic engagement.

Please reach out to the DEIJ Team if you'd like to share your perspectives.

We'd love to hear from you.

Please contact us if you or your organization would like to learn about the upcoming Municipal Election or to talk about what helps and keeps people in under-represented communities from engaging in local government in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

Thank you for working together to build a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just Municipality!

Ramadan Mubarak!

Ramadan is celebrated on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, Ramadan takes place from April 2^nd- May 1^st. It commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an (Islam’s holy book) to the Prophet Muhammed and is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Islam is a monotheistic religion (belief that there is one God, Allah). As with other religions, people who practice Islam (people who are Muslim) are diverse, with varying beliefs, sects, levels of adherence, and interpretations. There are over 1.8 billion Muslims globally, which makes up almost a quarter of the world’s population! This makes Islam the second largest and fastest growing religion in the world.

Keeping in mind the diversity within Islam, during Ramadan, Muslim people all over the world renew their spiritual commitment and practice self-discipline, self-sacrifice, patience, and heightened virtue. Ramadan may be observed in many ways including fasting, acts of charity, reflections, and prayer.

Ramadan often involves some form of fasting, from sunrise to sunset, for about a month. This fasting is known as sawm, which means to refrain from not only food, but also drink, evil actions, thoughts, or words. Sawm is one of the five core pillars of Islam. Before dawn, suhoor takes place, which is the meal before the fast begins. At dusk, iftar, the meal the fast is broken with, takes place. Typically, iftar is a social and communal meal where many will gather to eat together, and mosques (places of worship) will offer food to those in need.

Ramadan may also be observed through prayer, charity (also known as Zakat in the five pillars of Islam), gathering with others, and reflecting on spirituality in relation to Islam.

The end of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr. This is known as the Festival of Fast-Breaking and is celebrated over several days with prayer, social gatherings, gift exchanges, and donations.

In Chatham-Kent, Muslim communities are growing. Chatham-Kent is now home to a Chatham-Kent Muslim Association and the Chatham Islamic Centre, which opened in February.

As we work towards diversity, equity, inclusion & justice in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, we are striving to create a welcoming and supportive environment for Muslim communities, community members, and colleagues.

During this holy time for Islamic community members, we wish you Ramadan Mubarak (blessed Ramadan)!

Learn More:

Muslim Advisory Council of Canada Ramadan Toolkit

CBC – Learning More About Ramadan

If you have comments, questions, or feedback about this post, please contact Rebecca Haskell-Thomas or Amrit Khaira.

April 2^nd is World Autism Awareness Day and April is World Autism Month, a month to recognize and bring awareness about the experiences, strengths, and differences of people who are on the autism spectrum, their families, caregivers, and communities.

About Autism:

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a group of conditions related to brain development that impact how people perceive, learn about, socialize, and communicate with the world around them. Approximately 135,000 Ontarian's are on the autism spectrum (Prevalence Rates | Autism Ontario). Autism crosses all cultural, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic groups, however, experiences with ASD are diverse.

"If you've met one person who has autism, you've met one person with autism" - Stephen Shore

Because autism exists on a spectrum, the degree to which people experience symptoms and the amount of support needed varies widely. Every person with autism has different experiences, strengths, and challenges. These are also influenced by whether people have co-occurring health conditions, the accessibility and relative safety of the environment people are in, and whether people have access to appropriate supports.

Some people prefer to use the term neurodiversity to describe and normalize the wide range of ways our brain’s function and the diverse ways that people think, process information, learn, and function in day-to-day life. Considering neurodivergence or recognizing that many people are not ‘neurotypical’ helps us to think about how our communities and workplaces can include, support, and provide equitable opportunities for people on the autism spectrum to participate, be engaged, and thrive.

During World Autism month, we recognize our community members who are, or who care for people, on the autism spectrum. We encourage community members to learn more about autism and how to support a welcoming and inclusive Municipality of Chatham-Kent that honours our neurodiversity.

Resources

Autism Ontario

• West Region Chapter
• Celebrate the Spectrum
• Autism Career Connection (education about how to design inclusive work environments)

Please reach out if you have any feedback, comments, questions, or concerns.