Live Tweets: Rainbow Alliance At WorldPride
[Updated] A group from the Rainbow Alliance of Bermuda, in collaboration with the Centre for Justice, the Human Rights Commission, Kinsfolk Bermuda, and Two Words and a Comma, are in Toronto, Canada taking part in the Annual Pride Parade today [June 29]
A spokesperson said, “Pride events take place worldwide, celebrating the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City’s Greenwich Village, which marked the beginning of the modern gay liberation movement that has transformed the oppression of LGBTQ [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer] communities into pride.
“The WorldPride movement began as a way to connect global Pride events, and provide a platform and space for them to come together at one time. WorldPride 2014 Toronto is shaping up to be one of the biggest international events of our times. Bermuda was previously represented during WorldPride in London 2012.
The Bermuda contingent at today’s march:
“The Bermuda LGBTQ community has much to celebrate, including the long-awaited passing of the Human Rights Act amendment in June 2013. Unfortunately, however, this amendment falls short when it comes to protection with regard to discrimination on the grounds of gender identity and gender expression. The Human Rights Act also fails to provide legislation necessary for protection against hate crimes.”
“It is obvious that, while Bermuda has taken a large step forward in protecting its citizens, there are still heterosexist, homophobic, and transphobic attitudes towards our LGBTQ communities. Rainbow Alliance of Bermuda is committed to seeking safer spaces for the LGBTQ communities in Bermuda and advocating for further legislative protection.”
In addition, Mark “Sybil Barrington” Anderson is also taking part in the Pride Parade and will also be performing as part of a Cabaret doing his signature number as Patti La Belle.
Tweets from Rainbow Alliance of Bermuda and Two Words and a Comma:
Update June 30, 10.46am: A report from the Canadian media has highlighted Bermuda and Mark “Sybil Barrington” Anderson. An excerpt is below and you can read the full article here on The Star’s website.
Sybil Barrington in the Parade, photo courtesy of the Rainbow Alliance:
Excerpt from The Star:
The “Queen of Bermuda” came ready to talk politics as well the importance of celebrating World Pride and, unsurprisingly, showed up dressed to kill.
“I’m from a country that at one time it was legal to discriminate based on sexual orientation,” said Sybil Barrington, one of an estimated 12,000 people who walked, danced and rode along the parade route that capped off 10 days of Pride celebrations.
Barrington, clad in tight iridescent pants, a sash and tiara, explained that a little over a year ago the government in Bermuda amended the human rights act to legally protect people against discrimination because of their sexual orientation when they are seeking employment or housing.
“So we are here celebrating that,” said Barrington, who was born in Bermuda and, after establishing a career as a drag queen in New York City, returned there to live.
Bermuda has become a more tolerant place, but as a country they still have a long way to go, said Barrington…
Live n let live!
This is WWWOOOOOO HOLD ON UM ABOUT TO THROW UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome!!! #HappyPride!
This is great! I’ve been following them all day. Wish I could be there and be free. Can’t wait to see all the pictures and videos. Much support to my fellow like minded people.
I gottah question foah-uooo….if tyou had to sleep berween a beautiful woman and a gay man….who would you turn your back on????
Most people sleep on their side(s) so I guess it depends on who is sleeping in front of me or behind. In fact since it is just sleeping, it really does not matter.
Sick bunch….you all look happy…should stay over there and send for the rest.”IMHhiccupO!!!!!
What is ridiculous is that “The Ridiculist” went to all the trouble to open this article and go through the photos before making the statement that all the people in the parade “look happy”!
Why would he go to all that trouble if the thought of being gay makes him feel sick? The time when homophobics can simply dismiss people who are different from them is rapidly coming to an end. Here in Bermuda and in other enlightened countries around the world people who have a different sexual orientation from so-called normal folks have successfully fought for equal human rights so the likes of The Ridiculist are fast becoming powerless to spread their hatred and contempt.
Just a little advice for The Ridiculist. You are completely free to NOT attend World Pride Parades, and you are equally free not to read articles about any subject that you consider to be sick etc. Your rights are not being trampled on although you would no doubt like to trample on the rights of others in order to impose your views.
sick
Absolutely healthy and enjoying life to the fullest.
No thanks!!!
Pride is what you have ….vannity is what others have…
Pride is what you feel when your kids earn $143.00 dollars in a garage sale…
Panic is what you feel when you realise your car is missing…
To those negative comments: YOU all are sick. Grow up and accept that people don’t all like the opposite sex. It is not a choice.
I am proud of all of you!
Ditto Mary!!!
What another bold statement by a courageous group standing for human rights in the midst of small minded bigotry, shrouded (most times) in religiosity.
You guys are awesome! Looks like you had a wonderful time. Thanks for representing!
smh the world is going to hell
It sure is! As long as bigots and hateful people feel the need to oppress and deny rights to a group of people based on who they love, then, yes. The world is going to hell… metaphorically, of course.
But the days of discrimination based on love – a ridiculous premise, I know – are soon coming to an end.
The question is, I guess: Which side of history do you want to be on?
Thank you for a thoughtful and well written reply, Mike Hind. Nuff said.