I've always been proud of being a Canadian. This morning, at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, our black, straight, Haitian-born, female Governor-General, Madame Michaëlle Jean, will be investing a white, gay, New Brunswick-born, male clergyman, the Reverend Brent Hawkes, with our highest civilian award, the Order of Canada, for his contribution to the community and his activism on behalf of gay rights and same-sex marriage. Now that's diversity.
Today I'm feeling extra proud!
(Click on Brent's picture for a full news story courtesy of my buddy Gary.)
As a Canadian I am often self-deprecating when it comes to my home and native land - there you go, a tongue-in-check, typically Canadian phrase if there every was one. I take much for granted and while grumbling about what's wrong with Canada I often forget what is right.
Last week's cruise on the Ottawa River was a gentle reminder of the beautiful area I live in - one of many beautiful areas in a vast country. Yesterday's Canada Day celebrations were a reminder that we have so much to be proud of.
And as a gay man I was reminded twice this past week that I have many reasons to be thankful I am a Canadian.
I went to Ottawa City Hall on Friday and applied for a license for our upcoming (July 21) marriage. I mentioned to the lady processing our application that Laurent and I had been together for almost 29 years. As she gave me the license she said: Congratulations, I hope the next 29 years are as happy as the last 29.
Twice a year - New Year's Day and Canada Day - the Governor General announces a list of Canadians who have been awarded The Order of Canada - the highest civilian award my country can bestow. Amongst the names on this year's Canada Day list is Rev. Brent Hawkes, the senior pastor of MCC Toronto. Brent has been granted the title of Member of the Order for his work as a clergyman and a gay rights activist.
I didn't wear a T-Shirt proclaiming it yesterday, nor did I fly a flag from the second floor veranda but I am proud to be a Canadian.
*And if that ain't typically Canadian, what is? Eh?
I've always been proud of being a Canadian. This morning, at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, our black, straight, Haitian-born, female Governor-General, Madame Michaëlle Jean, will be investing a white, gay, New Brunswick-born, male clergyman, the Reverend Brent Hawkes, with our highest civilian award, the Order of Canada, for his contribution to the community and his activism on behalf of gay rights and same-sex marriage. Now that's diversity.
