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LETTER: Email comments show hate still exists

Editor: I'm sure by now everyone has heard about comments made by a certain person of a certain business in the Bow Valley, comments that have received both backlash and support. Instead of talking about the backlash, let's talk about the support that

Editor:

I'm sure by now everyone has heard about comments made by a certain person of a certain business in the Bow Valley, comments that have received both backlash and support. Instead of talking about the backlash, let's talk about the support that it received. Let's talk about how even though we live in the Bow Valley, a place that has been seen as inclusive and accepting, it's also a place that reminds you that we still live in Alberta.

Not to say all Albertans share thoughts, beliefs and opinions like this, but when all is said and done, Alberta does have a history of passing anti-trans/LGBTQ bills that directly affect a community of people who are only after one thing; to live a life of peace like every other human on this planet.

Despite the comments made by that one person, it show's just how ignorant people can be, how little they care to gain an understanding and how insensitive they're willing to be to a community that, when you spend five minutes gaining that understanding, is the most accepting and loving community you will ever be a part of.

It's a shame to see people defend the comments made, as if they're right in allowing hate to thrive here, only to be met with a strong community of people who are more than willing to put the same hate to an end.

In addition, it should surprise the average person with the amount of support the business has gotten long after the comments have been made. That being said, there are folks out there that support this, that think like this, people who pass off their hate as a belief tied to their religion.

Heaven forbid those who spread hate take the time to understand something that is beyond easy to understand, but if you make claims against the community that holds no truth, if you spread hate in a community that's welcoming and accepting, you better believe there will be folks who are going to take action, to hold those accountable and to make sure this doesn't happen again. Nevertheless, the people who continue to support this business show their friends, their neighbours and the folks on social media how they really think and what they really support. It's disappointing, but not surprising to watch these people come out of the woodwork just to admit they're just as hateful, that they're willing to defend these comments in retaliation of trans and LGBTQ folks.

It's not a belief, it's not an opinion, it's not even how you think when you expose yourself in a way that can potentially hurt already marginalized people. Albertans prove once again, just because you live in an inclusive town, hate will find its way.

Tristan Downey,

Banff

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