“Jane Currie and her partner, Anji Dimitriou, both small, soft-spoken women, were waiting with other parents at Gordon B. Attersley public school in Oshawa, when, fists flying, a man attacked them, his blows as harmful as his words.” (From The Star)
I’m glad to hear these ladies are getting a lot of support (if 3000 Facebook friends counts as support) after a violent, disgusting attack by a man named Mark Scott. In a Toronto Star article, Jane Currie (not one of the victims but one of the survivors), says “He went after us because of who we are.”
I disagree. He went after you because of what HE is: a small, ignorant bigot.
Read the rest in here, but if you are a survivor of violence and try to avoid triggers, please know it contains a description of the verbal and physical attack.
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five comments
Thanks for posting this Erin.
I heard about it last night via Facebook and felt sick -- especially when I read that their children (as well as other children at the school) saw the entire thing! I grew up in Oshawa and witnessed homophobia often. Thank goodness there are brave women like Jane and Anji, women who don't just let this happen, they say, "No, this was wrong! And here's what we're going to do about it!"
I hope they continue to receive the support they deserve!
Posted by D. Cole
November 12, 2008, 3:25 PM
As an average person i am disgusted! As a Bisexual teen i am horrified!
People like this is the reason why so many gay, lesbian and bisexual suicides happen.
if this "man" is not tried for hate crime, not only will i be dissapointed in our government but angry as well. our laws must come down hard on crimes like these, he must be made an example of, this wickedness has got to stop. if this is not dealt with harshly then crimes like these will never end.
the city of oshawa has had a few problems with gay and lesbian equality, until these problems are dealt with i will forever be ashamed to live in oshawa.
I am so proud of these women for standing up and speaking out about this. they are heores in my eyes due to there will and unbending pride, not only are they my rolemodel of lesbian women but women in general. i hope that they continue to speak out against hate crime and equality among the community. they have my full support.
Posted by Sierra M
November 12, 2008, 11:38 PM
I grew up in the Shwa too and saw a lot of intolerance. None of it as physical as this -- more insidious, systemic stuff.
Posted by Erin E.
November 13, 2008, 6:25 AM
I don't get it?
How much more hateful would that man's actions have to be for this shameful episode to qualify as a hate crime without question?
Grrrrrr.. (eyes roll head shakes)
Posted by mir
November 13, 2008, 9:35 AM
This happened near me, i've hear alot about it. It was also brought up in my high schools Gay Straight Alliance. I believe it should be viewed and treated as a hate crime. Also think of what this guy is taching his kids, that its okay to do this to people, because you don't like them or agree with them. I really hope that they win the case.
But it doesn't shock me alot, i've seen mild forms of hate towords the GLBTQ community. From friends being labled and treated badly in school to having signs advertising GLBTQ events torn down in public schools.
Posted by Leah
November 15, 2008, 9:03 PM
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