THE COLOUR PURPLE
Two young activists have launched a "purple letter campaign" to lobby the B.C. government for a province-wide sexual orientation and gender identity policy for schools.
Ryan Clayton and Kaitlin Burnett kicked off the initiative a couple of weeks ago, and they envision people sending letters addressed to the premier explaining why a policy is needed to end discrimination.
The campaign website asks individuals to write about their experiences: "Be it a deeply moving story, a tragically sad story, or an uplifting and humorous story; all are welcome. Think of a story about homophobia or transphobia, especially as it affects schools in British Columbia. This can be about you, or someone you know, or someone you love. Tell your story from your heart. Know that telling your story will help make the world a safer place for youth."
The letters will be delivered to the premier's office Oct. 20. Clayton, 24, planned to seek a Vision Vancouver nomination for the Vancouver School Board, but backed out shortly before the party's nomination date for health reasons.
Last year, Clayton staged a memorial
in Emery Barnes Park for youth who'd committed suicide because of homophobic bullying. Participants were asked to wear purple. "I wanted to follow up. I didn't want to just do another vigil. I wanted to do something that was a little more tangible," Clayton told the Courier. "I read about a couple of letter campaigns that had been fairly successful because of media attention they'd received and popular support, so I thought this would be something neat we could do in B.C."
Clayton said another anti-homophobia activist came up with the idea of wearing purple to signify the spirits of youth who've died. He maintains discrimination and bullying still exist. "My job right now is to tour around small towns talking about homophobia and I hear constantly about kids who've been beaten up or kids who've been called homophobic slurs, so I'm not just reading statistics," Clayton said. "I'm actually in the schools hearing about how harsh it can be.which is why we're trying to tackle this on a more provincial level."
Clayton is encouraged by the reaction to the campaign so far, including support from people of all political stripes who tell him the timing is good for such an effort. He hopes thousands put pen to paper.
More information is available on the campaign website at purplelettercampaign.ca, including where supporters can drop off postage-free letters for delivery. Purple envelopes are also being distributed across the province for those who want to be involved.
MUSIC TO MAGEE'S EARS
Magee Chamber Choir won its category at the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival, captured first place at the provincial level at Performing Arts B.C., then earned second in the country at the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals in Nova Scotia this summer.
The Federation of Canadian Music Festivals is considered one of the premier music festivals in the country, according to the Vancouver School Board, and is affiliated with 216 festivals.
The choir rehearses three times a week at lunch for 35 to 40 minutes, along with a weekly hour-long practice run by student section leaders.
Greg Quan, a music teacher at Magee and the artistic director of the Chamber Choir, says the recognition indicates the reputation the school has in the musical education community.
"I believe that it shows that we are on the right track at Magee in terms of creating a high quality music program and we will continue to work at it every day and cherish every moment," Quan said, according to the VSB. "We are very dedicated to our craft and to sharing it with others. It is the strength of our choir family, our love of singing and more importantly our love of being together that really makes the difference. As a teacher, there are very few things that could be better."
Twitter: @Naoibh
