When religious groups demonized the sick for bringing the wrath of God on their debauched sexual proclivities and cops routinely raided bathhouses. The gay community has ample reason not to forgive individuals, political leaders and a vast array of unresponsive or outright hostile institutions, including the medical establishment and law enforcement. When, in 2005, Bill Blair became the first police chief to march in the Pride Parade, at least symbolically bringing the force closer to the gay community, it was a watershed moment. Black Lives, of course, disrupted the 2016 parade, temporarily blocking its progress at Yonge and Carlton Streets until their anti-police demands were met. But black lives mattering is not the exclusive preserve of Black Lives Matter.

Source: thestar January 27, 2017 22:40 UTC