Michael Westhoff
INSIGHT
PO L I T I C S
LAND OF LESBIANS & HONEY? →
Even after the selection of Kathleen Wynne as premier, LGBT activists argue that there’s much more pink politicking left to do in Ontario Story Krishna Rau
he selection of an openly les-
T
But for LGBT activists, including
gay activist. I think that sent a real
committee. “We have to ask, ‘Do we
bian premier in Ontario may
those who are members of main-
message to the community. I under-
need more women in politics or do
have marked a victory in
stream political parties, a lot still
stand she had to put people, espe-
we need feminist policies?’”
one battle, but for many in the LGBT
remains to be done, and Wynne’s
cially the 905ers, at ease. But it sent
Even members of the Queer
community, the political struggle
accession to the premiership is,
a very cautioning message, ‘Don’t
Liberals, an unofficial group for LGBT
continues.
as yet, little more than a symbolic
expect a lot from me. I’m not carry-
members of both national and pro-
gesture.
ing your agenda.’”
vincial Liberal parties, admit that
When the Ontario Liberal party
14
voted for Kathleen Wynne as their
“We are not easily moved by the
As long-time trans activist Susan
new leader in January — making
fact that we have a premier who
Gapka points out, Wynne has yet
her Canada’s first openly LGBT pre-
is out,” says Nick Mulé, chair of the
to win an election as premier. “It all
“The Wynne win shows that
mier — it marked the culmination
activist group Queer Ontario. “I’m
reminds me of George Bush, and his
the times are changing,” says Jules
of a series of wins for the province’s
not sure she’s had enough time to
‘Mission Accomplished’ banner. This
Kerlinger, president of the Queer
queer community. Same-sex mar-
demonstrate whether it’s an advan-
premier has not been elected by the
Liberals. “Even 10 years ago, that
riage, human rights protection for
tage to the community. There’s a lot
people of Ontario,” says Gapka, who
wouldn’t have happened. We have
trans people, anti-bullying legisla-
of wait and see to this. But she also
sits on the executive of the provincial
made a lot of progress, but there’s
tion… and now a lesbian premier.
made the comment that she’s not a
NDP as a member of the party’s LGBT
still a lot to be done. Just because
May 2013
having a lesbian premier doesn’t mean the end of the fight.