This week in Toronto is Gay Pride. Additionally, this Friday, July 1st, is Canada Day. Certainly, it is a weekend of many happenings here in Toronto. And the one person, who will be missing from all this excitement, is none other but Mayor Rob Ford.
While, Toronto is not my hometown and I’m not gay, I do believe this week’s Gay Pride is important to the city… and even Canada. Toronto boasts a very diverse and multicultural community. Events like Gay Pride, Carabanna, and Taste of the Danforth help celebrate its diversity.
The newly appointed mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford, has noted he will not be attending this year’s Gay Pride because he will be spending time with his family at the cottage. While, I can appreciate family time, it really wouldn’t take too much time or effort to come out, say some words of support and return to his family. He could even do a cameo appearance. After all, he is the mayor.
Toronto embraces its diversity and any mayor of Toronto should also embrace and show their support of what it means to live in Toronto. If there are elements of diversity one doesn’t agree with… well they shouldn’t be the mayor of Toronto in the first place. Moreover, the job isn’t just a 9 to 5 position. It involves coming out and being involved in the various major activities of Toronto.
Gay Pride in Toronto is actually the largest in North America, allowing Toronto to benefit in various ways including financially (from all the revenue it generates)… Something any mayor can appreciate. By not making time (no matter how small) for this weekend’s event sends a message of NOT supporting gays. Ironically, Mayor Rob Ford was unavailable for the Gay Pride Flag raising yesterday. Coincidence???
People are entitled to have their opinions on various issues. However, anyone desiring to be the Mayor of Toronto needs to be a support of gays as well as all diversity in general…. Diversity is Toronto!