UVic Law Community Conference: Knowledge through Diveristy

Today I remember why I came to UVic. Today made me feel good about going here. That hasn't happened super regularly.

I went to a powerful session on trans rights with barbara findlay and Kimberly Nixon. The exercise we did at the beginning. We had to switch between target and non-target groups on either side of the room. Being on the right was comfortable, but felt guilty: the side of privilege. The left was uncomfortable but there was some solidarity being in the target group. Its amazing how comfortable stepping over the line is for things like you self identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or transgendered. Its not something that feels difficult. That is not something I would have said a year ago. Some categories were really difficult though even my toughest ones weren't as hard as others. Have you ever been called fat? seems less difficult than Have you ever been institutionalized? Have you suffered sexual or physical abuse? We learned to listen to the target group, because as members of the non-target group we know nothing. We learned to communicate to the assholes in power with respect. "We are who we say we are." Yes. Courageous strong people.

I also went to Immigration and discrimination. It was really intense to learn about the status of refugees, and especially the intersection of family and immigration law. What happens when you are a woman here with your husband-to-be, sponsored by him, and the relationship breaks down? What about the kids when they are Canadian citizens and you don't get status and you can't stay in the country?

The third session of the day was one on Labour Unions and the advancement of queer rights. I played the role of the sceptic. I was a member of a union for nearly four years, and I did not feel like it would have been okay for me to be openly gay at work. But, in terms of advancement, maybe here in BC the unions are led by individuals who are activists. But are they usually? Aren't those who are at the head of the unions older, white, heterosexual males? Why would they bother challenging the status quo that they benefit from upholding? Young people don't lead unions. Where are these activists coming from? Bavis argued that unions have the political will to protect minorities, but where is that will coming from. But unions have done good things. A lot of benefits for same sex couples were fought for and won by unions. They won things like not letting parents take their kids out of someone's class just because that teacher is gay, and letting teachers teach from material that contains same sex couples and families. Unions are well situated with the resources to bring claims. Things to think about.

Knowledge through Diversity I gained. I wish I could have been in two, often three places at once. I would have liked to have learned about a Law and Religion session around the Hijab. I want to know about climate change. Aboriginal issues. "Where are our men? We want them back!........................" (a vagina monologue named his braided hair or something to that effect). I wanted to learn more about animal rights. Migrant workers. It would have been amazing to go to all of the sessions. For nect year the only thing I would change is the ability to be in three places at once. It was awesome.

I ended the night with a beautiful session down at the beach with a friend. There may have been a mexican cigarillo involved. A beautiful night. The number of stars was amazing! It was stunning. And the water was peaceful, the air crisp, and the sky clear. Good company, good talks. Yes.

To my beautiful wonderful amazing perfect brilliant friends out there, congratulations on your respective successes. You all give me life. You inspire me. You do the important things in life. I love you.

Rach,
supra, blog entry style victorian night.