On November 24, 2013, the LGBTQ & Allies in Science and Engineering (LGBTQase) mural, located in the pit of the Sandford Fleming Building, was vandalized with homophobic language. When I found out that evening, I was horrified.
Living in Canada, we sometimes forget how privileged we are to be in a society that embraces diversity so openly that it is considered to be a part of our national identity. We are seen as a bastion for LGBTQ rights, having been among the first to legalize same-sex marriage, beginning in 2003. Pride Week in Toronto remains one of the largest LGBTQ pride festivals in the world, and our city is being internationally recognized as the host for WorldPride 2014, taking place this summer.
Unfortunately, international prospects for LGBTQ rights have not been as progressive. From the Russian ban on gay propaganda to India’s reinstatement of Section 377 recriminalizing sexual acts “against the order of nature,” and even Nigeria’s newly signed anti-gay law, it is clear that worldwide LGBTQ equality has yet to be realized. So maybe it’s not surprising that such a malicious and cowardly act was perpetrated on our own campus, despite being in a society that is generally more accepting.
The reality is, homophobia exists. It doesn’t have to be physical harassment or so-called gay bashing, homophobia can be subtle and much more sinister. The vandalized mural is toxic in its very nature, because those attitudes end up permeating the community, making it that much easier to spread homophobia and hate.
The issue is even more contentious within the discipline of engineering. Already a male-dominated field, the stereotype is that engineers display a degree of hegemonic masculinity and in particular, tend to be homophobic. “That’s so gay” is thrown around to express dissatisfaction, but the inaccurate use of the word only acts to cement its meaning in association with negative connotations. We have also witnessed instances in the past where homophobic statements were made. They’re often thinly veiled as a “harmless” joke, and it may very well be just that to the person saying it, but not always to the LGBTQ individual who hears it.
Similarly, the vandalism could also be dismissed as a non-issue, since it wasn’t very visible anyway. Could you imagine how an LGBTQ student in engineering, already feeling alienated, would feel upon seeing that? This is what equality ultimately boils down to: the golden rule, to treat others as you would like others to treat you. Surely, none of us would wish that feeling of isolation upon anyone.
This incident and its ramifications are relevant to all of us, regardless of our sexual orientation or identity. I would like to think that, in general, the university community is accepting of sexual diversity. Having this reputation tarnished by a homophobic act should make us take a step back, and reconsider the need to speak up against this type of behaviour. While confrontation is usually uncomfortable for all parties, it is a necessity. I implore everyone, especially allies of LGBTQ people, to take the initiative to challenge any statement or action that is homophobic in nature, as LGBTQ individuals often feel unsafe doing so themselves. We must remember to always speak out against oppression, before it becomes the norm.
The morning after the mural was vandalized, a few LGBTQase executives and I went to paint over the offending language. It is difficult to say if this was the right decision — should we have left the vandalism as is, and perhaps provoked discussion throughout the community? Or would that risk catalyzing further homophobic acts on campus? We can’t say for sure, but I really do believe that LGBTQ-supportive individuals on campus outnumber those that are not.
If you would like to learn more about how you can support LGBTQ individuals, LGBTQase will be hosting a discussion on this incident and homophobia in general within Science and Engineering on February 6, 2014 at 6 pm. Pink Shirt Anti-Bullying Day will also be celebrated on February 26, 2014. Locations have yet to be determined. Please refer to our website for more information.
Benjamin Chung is the president of the LGBTQ & Allies in Science and Engineering (LGBTQase).
