B.C. author says being gay and Christian is OK
Stacey Chomiak’s queer, illustrated, young-adult memoir ‘Still Stace: My Gay Christian Coming-of-Age Story’ is being released on Oct. 19, 2021. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)
Stacey Chomiak’s memoir aimed at LGBTQ youth makes peace with faith community and queer community.
© 2021, Nanaimo News Bulletin and Black Press Group Ltd.
Happy PRIDE MONTH!
We at Steinbach Neighbours for Community wish you all a happy, safe and healthy PRIDE MONTH! Celebrate your uniqueness! We love you.
For virtual Pride Month events check out: https://pridewinnipeg.com/
Steinbach United has become an Affirming Ministry!
Steinbach United Church is a community of faith that actively supports justice and inclusion and began 8 years ago on an Affirming journey. Together we listened, studied, shared stories, faced challenges and updated policies.
On March 14th they celebrated becoming an Affirming Ministry within The United Church of Canada! If you would like to view the service it can be found on their website: http://steinbachunitedchurch.ca/ministers-message.
Queer Commerce
Claiming our rights as a transgender family
By Amanda Jetté Knox
Read Article Here
“I am a girl trapped in a boy’s body,” our then 11‐year‐old explained in a heartfelt letter to me and my spouse. Our middle child had typed the message just moments ago from the bedroom across the hall. “More than anything, I need to be a girl. Please help me.”
October 2020 – Bill C-6: Federal Conversion Therapy Ban is approved and sent to committee.
Members of Parliament voted 308-7 in favour of inclusion and diversity in Canada when they passed Bill C-6 which would criminalize conversion therapy. The bill is now before a committee and amendments may be brought forward before a third and final reading in the House.
What is conversion therapy? Conversion therapy involves various practices that attempt to change an individuals’ sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Bill C-6 proposes legislative amendments to the Criminal Code.
The legislation recommends five new Criminal Code offences related to conversion therapy. These include:
- causing a minor to undergo conversion therapy
- removing a minor from Canada to undergo conversion therapy abroad
- causing a person to undergo conversion therapy against their will
- profiting from providing conversion therapy
- advertising an offer to provide conversion therapy.
Many Canadian professional associations such as the Canadian Psychological Association, the Canadian Psychiatric Association and the Canadian Pediatric Association state that the practice of conversion therapy is harmful to LGBTQ2S persons, especially minors. Conversion therapy is centered on the false idea that any sexual orientation other than heterosexuality and any gender identity other than cisgender, is not normal or is an illness that can and should be changed. Conversion therapy is not only ineffective, it has devastating effects for those undergoing this therapy such as anxiety, depression, stigma, self-hatred and suicidal thoughts and suicide.
All Liberal, Bloc Quebecois, New Democrat, Green and independent MPs who took part in the vote supported the bill. 7 Conservative MPs including Ted Falk, MP for Provencher, voted against the bill. In an article on Steinbach Online on Nov.18, 2020, Mr. Falk said that the topic of conversion therapy is one that generates more correspondence from his constituents than any other issue. He suggested that an overwhelming majority of those who contact his office in regards to this bill also feel that the bill is flawed. Steinbach Neighbours received a copy of a letter written by a mother from the Provencher constituency that was sent to Mr. Falk in support of Bill C-6. Permission to share this powerful letter of advocacy and support for LGBTQ2S individuals has been given and the letter appears below (names have been removed to protect privacy).
In the midst of a pandemic when it is more difficult to gather in support of shared causes, we must remain vigilant and follow the progression of this Bill C-6 to ensure that it does become law this time around. We ask other allies in the Provencher riding who wish to express their support for Bill C-6 to contact Mr. Ted Falk using the information below.
Ted Falk, MP
76 PTH 12 N
Steinbach, MB
R5G 1T4
Tel: (204) 326-9889
Toll free 1 866 333-1933
Fax: 204 346-9874
ted.falk.c1@parl.gc.ca
It is the hope of Steinbach Neighbours for Community that Bill C-6 will ultimately be proclaimed, ensuring that all Canadians can live safely and freely as their true authentic selves. Canada is stronger when it recognizes, protects and celebrates diversity.
________________________________________________________
Letter written by a mother from the Provencher constituency
sent to Mr. Falk in support of Bill C-6
Rainbow Harmony Project Virtual Concert on November 28th
Court ruling allows both members of Manitoba LGBTQ2s+ couples to be legally recognized as parents
How teens made Yukon one of the few places in Canada to ban conversion therapy
Generous Spaces Fall Virtual Retreat
Growing Up Inclusive
Saturday, January 25, 2020, 10 am -2 pm
Steinbach Curling Club357 Elmdale Street 2nd Floor (Accessible)
We are excited to invite you to:
Connecting Neighbours: GROWING UP INCLUSIVE
RAISING INCLUSIVE KIDS – MaryLou Driedger
How do we help our children develop inclusive attitudes so they can play a vital role in the creation of caring communities where everyone feels welcome?
GROWING UP SAFE AND STRONG – Val Hiebert
An examination of Erikson’s classic psycho-social theory of child development applied to our everyday lives as parents, communities, and our own childhood histories.
• Free Admission
• Lunch is included
• Conversation circles
For further information contact Val Hiebert at:
val.hiebert@prov.ca or 433-7488 (ext. 204) or 379-9652.
Parent Circle: A Circle of Trust
The Parent Circle meets every second Wednesday of the month at Steinbach United Church, 541 Main St. from 7-9 p.m, with the exception of Jan. 9, 2019.
Steinbach Neighbours for Community invites parents of LGBTTQI children and youth to a space of discovery, parent to parent, about our journey in our community. We look forward to our conversations, guided by Bonnie Loewen.