Straight Not Narrow

I was asked by the OPS Pride Network’s communication team to write about an organization I belong to called the Heterosexuals for Same Sex Equality (HSSE). This group was formed to quash the outdated voices who were and are trying to convince us that LGBT rights threaten the heterosexual way of life.

Funny, we thought, we don’t feel threatened.

The HSSE believes the right to love is universal and the right to feel at home in one’s own skin is fundamental.

When an irate (or hateful) group is so loud and determined, it’s easy to stand back and say nothing – who wants to get into an argument with someone who just refuses to understand? The truth though, is that most straight people are compassionate, loving, supportive and hopeful for the future. It’s time we stood up and said so.

As the HSSE grows, we hope to provide support to those who live in communities where open minded role models can be hard to come by. Our website, www.straightnotnarrow.ca, provides some resources for teachers, students and parents who want to offer support and an inclusive environment to LGBT youth.

The responsibility to stand up for human rights and equality belongs to us all. I hope you will visit the HSSE’s website to learn more about us and that you will invite your friends, parents, children and colleagues to do the same.

Other links of interest:
PFLAG.org: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
http://www.pflag.org/
http://www.pflagcanada.ca/
Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG) is a national non-profit organization with over 200,000 members and supporters and over 500 affiliates in the United States. This vast grassroots network is cultivated, resourced and serviced by the PFLAG national office, located in Washington, D.C., the national Board of Directors and 13 Regional Directors.

Youth Pride
http://www.youthpride.org/
YouthPride is a place where you will become empowered as a LGBTQ youth. Our center provides you with a place were you will no longer feel alone, invisible, condemned, or unsafe simply because of your sexual orientation or identity.

Egale
http://egale.ca/
Egale Canada advances equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-identified people, and their families, across Canada.