How to talk to LGBTQ kids after rainbow crosswalk is vandalized
Posted August 3, 2018 6:37 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
WHITE ROCK (NEWS 1130) – The City of White Rock is calling it very disappointing after white and grey paint was thrown onto a rainbow crosswalk in that city just after midnight on Friday.
Staff were called out at about 6 a.m. to remove some symbols and words and by 11 a.m. the crosswalk had been cleaned.
This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. Recently, there have been similar cases in both Surrey and Salmon Arm and the head of PFLAG Vancouver has tips on how parents can talk to their LGBTQ kids about vandalism like this.
Colin McKenna is with the group founded by parents that want to help themselves and family members understand their LGBTQ children.
He says vandalism like this is concerning but it’s a reminder that those crosswalks are necessary.
“There’s a reason why there is such a push, especially in smaller communities, to make sure people understand being LGBTQ is not something you choose and we’re everywhere.”
McKenna adds moments like these are teaching moments for parents of LGBTQ kids or allies and the conversations about them should be in the same vein as talks about bullies in school.
“And then guide that child through, ‘Here’s why rainbow crosswalks are important. Here’s why this conversation needs to happen in the greater communities.’ It’s the same kind of conversation that they’d have about bullying or any of the things that might happen in a schoolyard, it’s to say, ‘These people exist, there are reasons why they feel it necessary to do ugly things.'”
For adults who may feel riled up by the site of vandalism on a rainbow crosswalk, he suggests turning your anger into action.
“We are angry when we see these things happen but don’t lose faith, don’t lose hope. Take action in a small community to show the LGBTQ population that you’re there to support them, that you’re an ally and turn that anger into something useful. When you see hateful things happening like that in smaller communities, it’s an indication to the greater population that we need allies out there.”
Mounties say they’re investigating and any witnesses are asked to call White Rock RCMP at 778.593.3600.
~With files from Kenny Mason
