Queers Against Israeli Apartheid marches in Edmonton Pride
ALBERTA / Edmonton group formed after the Gaza flotilla raid
Jenn Ruddy / National / Monday, June 14, 2010
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UPDATE, JUNE 14: Queers Against Israeli Apartheid marched in the Edmonton Pride parade on Saturday. QuAIA Edmonton member Rob Butz says that the group's participation "took place from start to finish without incident.... Our experience in Edmonton reflects Pride's capacity to embrace difference."

Pictures below by Paula E Kirman and Karen Campos. Thanks to Vivek Shraya for passing them on:

(Photo by Paula E Kirman)


(Photo by Karen Campos)


 
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THURSDAY, JUNE 10: An Edmonton chapter of Queers Against Israeli Apartheid (QuAIA) has received the go-ahead from Edmonton Pride to march in the parade on Saturday.

The group of about five to 10 people formed May 31 — after the Israeli attack on the Gaza aid flotilla — to stand in solidarity with Toronto QuAIA. The Toronto chapter is prohibited from marching in the parade after Pride Toronto banned the words "Israeli apartheid" from its events.

"They [Edmonton Pride] have been pretty good," says Jess Warren, co-organizer of Edmonton QuAIA, adding that the only warning the group received was to be mindful that the parade is a family-friendly event.

"So far in Edmonton we haven't received the kind of censorship or condemnation that Queers Against Israeli Apartheid in Toronto have gotten," she says.

Sandi Stetson, festival manager of Edmonton Pride, declined to comment, saying the parade is about queer pride.

"We're not going to answer anything about any particular entry to the parade," she says. "There's no need to talk about that."

2009 Edmonton Pride parade.
(photo by jacksonphotografix.com)
Warren doesn't anticipate any conflict at the Edmonton Pride parade on Saturday and welcomes discussion.

She says it's important for QuAIA to have a presence at the parade, because Pride is historically a political act.

"To say that political messages — or at least political messages that are seen by certain people as unrelated to queer issues — shouldn't be present, I think, is only considering the recent history of Pride," says Warren. "The corporatization of Pride has led to this idea. Pride in general is a venue at which we can actually raise our voice and say that as a queer community this is something that concerns us."

At the parade on Saturday, members of Edmonton QuAIA will carry banners that read: "There's no pride in apartheid" and "Free Palestine."

Warren says the group plans to continue educating the queer community after the parade about what it means to be in solidarity with Palestine. Its members also plan to make connections with queers living in Palestine.

"As queers, we have a responsibility and a great ability to be great activists as far as recognizing oppression and standing up against it no matter who it's directed at," says Warren.

She says the censorship of Toronto QuAIA is a continuation of the attempt by governments and corporations to silence dissent.

"As a Canadian, as someone who believes in the right of people to speak out against oppression, it is an issue of free speech for sure, but... it's an issue of silencing those who want to stand in solidarity with Palestine — it's directly linked to that," she says.

Edmonton QuAIA has put a call out to those who want to stand in solidarity with the group. Anyone who wishes to march in the parade with Edmonton QuAIA is asked to meet at Jasper Avenue and 108th St in Edmonton on Saturday between noon and 1pm.




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Reader Comments


 
PT must reverse its position
Pride Toronto's ban is starting to look ridiculous. It was a difficult decision and there is no shame admitting being wrong and moving on.
JG, Toronto ON
06/10/10 2:28 PM EST
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Reverse its position
If Pride Toronto reverse its position it would make them that much stronger as people will see that they have listen ...and there is no shame in that only honor..... Pride Toronto it is time .....
DJ, Toronto Ontario
06/10/10 2:58 PM EST
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JG - well, it's been ridiculous from the start
...however, Tracey Sandilands would never turn her back on her BFF's Kyle Rae, Martin Gladstone, TD Bank and B'nai Brith! Tracey and Kyle were seen whooping it up at his retirement party at the Rosewater Supper Club and then he charged the whole shindig to the Toronto taxpayer, which may be off topic, but these are the poeple we're dealing with.
J Roman, Toronto ON
06/10/10 2:59 PM EST
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The basic facts on Pride and QuAIA
Let us always return to the basic facts. The two primary requirements for participation in Pride are to be: (1) part or supportive of the LGBT community; and, (2) law-abiding. Queers Against Israeli Apartheid (QuAIA) meets both of these requirements. Singling out one group that meets the requirements and banning its lawful political speech is censorship. Full stop.
Rick, London Ontario
06/10/10 3:19 PM EST
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@ J Roman
I doubt the people you mentioned have learned enough from this to improve but we have. I was afraid our community was dormant and I am happy to find out differently. Gladstone has been exposed; the role Navigator has played and continues to play not so much, but there is hope; Sandilands is being ridiculed and her career tarnished; Rae is on his way out and I suspect his replacement will be closely vetted because of this. We must remain vigilant. Freedom of speech was and always will be, not negotiable .Cheers.
JG, Toronto ON
06/10/10 4:00 PM EST
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we are with you
Toronto Muslims have the responsibility to stand up with Quaia, and also stand up for theri rights. All the recent censorship that's forced down to politicians mouth is initiated by neo cons, and extremist jewish lobby group, and is designed to silence muslimes in canada, but Quaia is fighting thier fight, they must stand up, and support quaia, and gay pride week, if they change their decision. Please QUAIA, put a call for the muslims to come out and support you, and they will. What is happening in Canada right now is not right, sad, and criminal. Our politicians have sold thier sole to devil for a few dollars, and they should be kick out of office, their hands are soaked with innocent people's blood, they are clearly supporting apparthied, and silencing democracy, muslims time to stand up..
wais, toronto ontario
06/10/10 4:59 PM EST
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So let's get this straight...
They've modified their message to something non hateful, which is all they were ever asked to do in Ontario, and now they're claiming victory? Wow....
William, Montreal QC
06/10/10 6:37 PM EST
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@William
In Toronto they were asked to change their name. In Edmonton they have not. In other words free speech was suppressed in Toronto.
JG, Toronto ON
06/10/10 7:08 PM EST
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Re: So let's get this straight...
There's absolutely nothing "hateful" about comparing Israel's policies/actions to the International Criminal Court's definition of "apartheid." It is perfectly legitimate, and entirely lawful, political speech. A key pillar of democracy is the people's right to criticize any government.
Rick, London Ontario
06/10/10 7:44 PM EST
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re: So let's get this straight...
William QuAIA has never used hateful messaging during past Prides, well hateful of apartheid yes but not hateful of Israelis or Jews. Their focus has always been on Israeli policy and they've never blamed all Israelis or all Jews for the apartheid, QuAIA works in partnership with similar human rights groups both in Israel and the occupied territories, they know full well the degree of opposition to the Israeli gov'ts policies concerning Palestinians, the notion that all Jews and all Israelis support the Israeli gov'ts treatment of Palestinians is only heard from the pro-censorship side claiming that any criticism of Israeli policy is really criticism of Israelis and Jews. That sort of anti-semitic thing does happen and its very ugly and definitely not the sort of thing that belongs at Pride but QuAIA is not in any way anti-semitic or even anti-Israel, just comparing their messaging with some anti-semitic messaging makes the difference between the two very clear, for one thing anti-semitic criticism of Israel blames the nature of Jews for the problems in Israel, occupied territories and the entire world, their focus is on the "Jewish problem" and their solution is to remove Jewish people form the equation. QuAIA is nothing at all like that, many of their members are Jewish and from Israel so they wouldn't tolerate it from other members either I'm sure. If you want to see what real anti-semitism looks like check out http://www.stormfront.org/forum/ its a forum for white supremists and other bigots and then compare what you saw there with http://queersagainstapartheid.org/ its pretty clear that there is a massive difference between the two and that QuAIA does not use hate speech like actual anti-semites do.
Rich, Toronto Ontario
06/10/10 9:14 PM EST
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idiots
So MORE people have been manipulated to jump on bandwagons by QAIA? Well, good luck to you. When will we see a Homos Against Hamas War-Crimes? When will we see some BALANCE? When will people stop letting Pride be usurped for a group who has NOTHING to do with gay issues (except the word "queer" in their title which is opportunism par excellence.)? Pride has been usurped, why bother going? Idiots! Here's some thing to bring you up to speed: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2010/06/07/2010-06-07_the_activists_wanted_violence.html
Ken, Paris France
06/11/10 5:10 AM EST
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Israeli apartheid is a queer issue
Queer and trans people living in the West Bank and Gaza face daily military violence just for being who they are: Palestinian. There can’t be freedom of gender and sexuality without freedom from daily violence and the right to love who you choose, live where you choose, and attend groups, meetings and political activities without persecution. Road blocks, military checkpoints, house demolitions, curfews and the apartheid wall are all part of the daily reality for all Palestinians, regardless of their orientation. Queer rights are not safe until all people’s rights are safe. There was a period of sexual liberation in early 20th century Europe that was destroyed by the rise of fascism. As queers we neglect other struggles and other equality rights at our peril. All our struggles are bound up together. QuAIA is an example of people of different backgrounds working together for the equality of all. FOR MORE, SEE: http://queersagainstapartheid.org/faq/
Rick, London Ontario
06/11/10 5:51 AM EST
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RE: Idiots
@Ken you need to learn somethings if you have to make a group of something you believe in so it you wish to make a group called "Homos Against Hamas War-Crimes" do so have all your info to back you up and come and march..as it would there be a gay group speaking out about gay concerns....but maybe i would suggest to you maybe you should work on your Gay rights in your country France before you deal your crap to a country that offer more Gay rights.... Now Now Ken don't be a hater and don't be jealous that we fight for gay rights here
DJ, Toronto Ontario
06/11/10 10:02 AM EST
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RE: Idiots
Well said Ken. I completely agree. As for DJ and your astondingly hipocritical statement - but maybe i would suggest to you maybe you should work on your Gay rights in your country France before you deal your crap to a country that offer more Gay rights. How about you take your own advise and work to improve queer rights in Canada before you champion a group that has nothing to do with Gay rights.
Don, Toronto Ontario
06/11/10 12:42 PM EST
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@DON
In fact I do Don I am in Ottawa about ever 3 months working with groups there to have more changes done....and In a lot of the other proviences .... and I also to to the USA to work with groups there.... so I would say I do a hell of a lot more for gay rights within Canada and the USA then you have in your whole life...I have even been intouch with the Thai Government to have some changes done there... So what have you done Don ..........Now your Chance come on we are waiting....
DJ, Toronto Ontario
06/11/10 3:06 PM EST
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re: Ken
Kewn what exactly does your link to an editorial on the flotilla attack have to do with free speech in Toronto? Pride is hardly being usurped by QuAIA, they are members of the LGBT community in Toronto, unlike yourself btw, even if you were at one point you no longer are, anyways they are community members and have every right to march in Pride same with all community members since its a community event. If you had ever attended Pride in Toronto in the past you'd know that there always has been LGBT groups protesting or supporting causes all over the world and in Canada that aren't directly "gay issues". The notion that its only just to criticize Israeli policy if you first criticize every other injustice in the world is simply ridiculous. No one protests against every single injustice in the world, its not feasible. People pick and choose what problem in the world they want to take on for many different reasons but no one can do it all like some seem to be suggesting when they ask why don't they protest against Hamas or the Islamic world's injustices, there are some folks doing that I'm sure but unlike QuAIA we'd never ever hear about them because no one opposes them doing so. The reason groups like QuAIA get so big is other people see the injustice in some trying to shut down groups like QuAIA so they join out of support or they heard QuAIA's message due to all the publicity they get from those trying to shut them down and decide to join the fight. It doesn't matter if QuAIA is right or wrong about Israeli policy being unjust, there never is any absolute right or wrong when it comes to politics anyways, all that matters is that their message is legal and not hate speech. Pride Inc already has 2 separate legal opinions stating that QuAIA doesn't violate any hate speech laws plus CCLA weighed in with their belief, after studying the case, that QuAIA in Pride also doesn't violate the city's anti-discrimination laws either. There's no just reason to censor t
Rich, Toronto Ontario
06/11/10 5:23 PM EST
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This anti Apartheid group is so off base!
As a Gay man who marched against the police and the bath raids in 1981 and who participated in some of the earliest Gay Pride parades in Toronto, I'm ashamed of this "Pseudo Anti-Apartheid" idiocy. If you read this, perhaps some of you may see the light if you are not already too blinded by what you think is right! http://www.hudson-ny.org/1096/lets-have-a-real-apartheid-education-week
Jeff, Vancouver BC
06/11/10 11:43 PM EST
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QAIA is not
the issue. Freedom from censorship is the issue. As a critical thinking gay man, I abhor most demonstrations of free speech. I just happen to live in a time in which morons and idiocy are celebrated, but I thoroughly embrace the freedom of expression/anti-censorship concept. That is the issue. Just say no to censorship.
Tim, toronto on
06/13/10 10:53 AM EST
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Protection from terrorism is not 'apartheid'
Calling the blockade 'apartheid' to me does not respect that Israel has a right to protect itself but I also feel Israel and our Gov't is doing the blockade in a way that is wrong and we should work against this and educate ourselves as it will come back to haunt us if we don't. All I hear or see on that spectrum lately is criticisms of Israel, and promoting this notion that isolating the ideologies of Hamas, through a blockade by Israel, is the same as Apartheid-- and I wish to voice to you that to me that isn't the same. I do not support the blockade as it is--- but I do support Israel protecting itself from Hamas and so long as Hamas has as a part of its Charter what it does presently I will continue to do so. I do not feel Israel is doing this in such a way that it is ensuring other people there are safe- those that do not support Hamas. I will advocate for that aspect of the blockade to change, but I will do so in such a way that Israel is still secure from Hamas until Hamas changes its views. Time would be better spent on advocating for those in these areas to support peace and to reject extremism and calls for violence in all its forms.
withheld, withheld withheld
06/14/10 10:09 PM EST
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Terrorism/apartheid
"Terrorism" exists because of Israel's state terrorism, ethnic cleansing, and apartheid. End Israel's repression of Palestinians, give them their own state, and the terrorism -- from elements within/connected to Hamas -- disappears. Note: There was no Hamas until Israel stole their land! No justice, no peace. Fix the injustice, achieve peace.
Rick, London Ontario
06/15/10 12:14 AM EST
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@ Rick
blah, blah, blah blah blah your just a propagandist repeating the same old crap
Peter from, Toronto ON
06/15/10 12:46 AM EST
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counter-productive
Some people attack me for commenting on Toronto Pride because I live in Paris; But I'm from Toronto, and I am there almost every year for Pride:why do I not have the right to speak out? I was also one of the found-ins in the infamous Toronto Bath Raids... and knew Tim McCaskell (now of QAIA) because we lived in the same house - where he had a poster on the wall of a Jewish Star with a gun-sight being aimed at it.(Anyone NOT finding this image anti-Semitic is REALLY brain-washed! It should make people wonder about McCaskell's motivations...) I have two problems with QAIA: first, their message has nothing to do with gay politics iwhatsoever...but they are excellent manipulators. The result is that they have managed to get people talking about THEIR issue for the last two months. Meanwhile, does any GAY issue get any press any more? Hardly. In other words they have skillfully USURPED Pride for their own purposes. Anyone who fails to see that is not paying attention. Second gripe. I have nothing against calling for a fair deal for Palestinians; nor do I have problems with people criticizing Israel. I have done both myself. What I DO dislike is the LIE of marrying the words "Israel" and "apartheid". I also dislike the lack of BALANCE. It is highly suspect that QAIA never EVER mention the fact that Hamas(who are supported by their actions)has as part of its Charter a clause stating that every Jew - not just Israelis, but Jews anywhere in the world - are legitimate targets for assassination. If QAIA supports rabidly anti-Semitic groups like Hamas, should they really be part of Pride? The lie of equating Israel and apartheid is counter productive in the extreme: aren't there enough TRUTHS about Israel to criticize without inventing lies to try and de-legitimize the entire nation? And QAIA's lack of balance is suspect. That can only increase Israel's paranoia and help the Israeli extremists who are the main block to possibilities of
Ken, Paris France
06/16/10 6:58 AM EST
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Legitimate criticism
The use of the word apartheid to describe Israeli policy towards Palestinians is provocative but not inaccurate and definitely not anti-semitic per se. One just needs to read Israeli newspapers, where the debate is open and heartfelt, to learn just that. Besides the cozy relationship Israel had with the white South African regime in the 70s when it was supplying it with arms indicates that it did not find apartheid offensive at the time. This from a country (Israel) that knows the scourge of racism in its bones. This new found outrage is an attempt to cover up an ugly truth. The description is harsh but apt. The issue here with PT however, remains one of freedom of expression not about ME politcs and is forcing the gay community to examine its core values. Free speech is one of them and who owns PT is another.
JG, Toronto ON
06/16/10 10:32 AM EST
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Re: Ken
Ken QuAIA hasn't usurped Pride for their own purposes nor have they been driving all this talk about them. The simple fact is if they had been allowed to continue marching in Pride this year they would still be a small obscure group that few paid attention to. The ones responsible for making this a big issue are folks like Gladstone and his pro-censorship gang who couldn't tolerate anyone having a different opinion on Israeli policy than them. If they hadn't started the smear campaign against QuAIA I never would have heard of them and neither would have most other people. Granted QuAIA has got far more publicity for themselves and their cause because of the attempts to silence them than they ever could have done on their own, they should thank Gladstone, but that's through the actions of those opposed to allowing them their freedom of speech. QuAIA didn't create this division in the community, the pro-censorship side did, all we are doing is trying to stop the censorship of queers by other queers at our Pride celebration, those of us who care about Pride as more than a chance to party want to see Pride return to its community focus instead of allowing the interests of corporations and city hall to dictate what Pride means and who is allowed to march. As well, there have been at least three independent legal opinions that QuAIA marching in Pride does not violate the city's anti-discrimination policy, however Pride Inc is now in violation of the same anti-discrimination policy because they have effetively banned QuAIA for their political beliefs and that is not allowed under the city's anti-discrimination policy. I haven't heard any legal opinions in this case but it seems like a pretty open and shut to me. Will we see QuAIA work to shut down Pride by working ro get its funding pulled like Gladstone and gang did? Of course not becuase QuAIA respects the community and Pride enough to not blackmail Pride and the community unlike Gladstone and the pro-censorship gang.
Rich, Toronto Ontario
06/16/10 11:41 AM EST
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as well
Ken QuAIA does not support Hamas as you should know by now, they want to see everyone's human rights respected. Being critical of Israeli policy does not mean they support the enemies of Israel, not all Palestinians are members of Hamas, that's like saying because the Harper Cons are in power in Ottawa all Canadians are Cons.
Rich, Toronto Ontario
06/16/10 12:01 PM EST
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