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Let’s choose not to be pitied

This Magazine Staff

Okay, take a look at the image for yourself:
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This is the photo that Fondation Emergence has chosen to illustrate this year’s National Day Against Homophobia on May 17th. In my latest column for Capital Xtra, I argue that this kind of imagery elicits pity rather than celebration, and treats the queer community like we’re something that should be tolerated, rather than celebrated. It also denies the reality of most queer and trans people’s experiences, in an attempt to gain mainstream acceptance. It takes the sex out of homosexuality, and it harkens back to the days when gayness was considered to be a medical condition that could be cured.
What do you think?
(Cross-posted to Dykes Against Harper)

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