“Someone in the street called my name and started yelling homophobic slurs,” said Alex Munder. Munder says having his four-year-old son with him made the verbal assault even worse. “This has happened to me many times over the decades, but you know there’s a little boy there and just to think that someone is overcome with hate, that they would subject a child, no one should be subjected to that, but to subject a child. and that’s why it was really infuriating.” Munter says this is just one example of why Capital Pride is so important. “Pride has always been a celebration, a celebration that’s about allowing people to be who they are, to recognize that love is love, that we’re a community where we support each other,” said Munder, adding “especially with Ottawa police reporting an increase in the number of hate crimes, that event, the week is more important than ever.” This year’s Capital Pride, which kicks off on Sunday and culminates with the parade on August 28, features dozens of free events celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ community and advocating for change. “We know people still have issues accessing Trans health care. People walking down the street still have challenges you know holding hands or just being who they are,” said Toby Whitfield, executive director of Capital Pride . “In many ways Pride is important, both as a time to celebrate and a time to move forward.”
This morning, a passerby called my name and hurled homophobic slurs. I was going with my son to the kindergarten. In case you’re wondering why #Pride is still relevant. 🏳️🌈 Help if you can. https://t.co/kJtwySWaZM — Alex Munter (@AlexMunter) August 16, 2022
