Dear Editor,
Nearly 50 years ago, our family moved to Barrhead because the school had a school for the mentally handicapped operated by the school board on the campus. Barrhead was a forerunner in Alberta.
Anne and I raised our five children here. They included one who was mentally challenged, one who was of mixed race (black) and one who was gay. We taught them, I hope, to be proud of who they each were, to stand up for themselves, and to look to the needs of their siblings.
We were fortunate that our congregation's church members accepted and received each of them as they were. Also, our national church's social policies coincided with our beliefs.
Being parents is not easy, and ours was complicated. I could tell you stories, but I won't.
Simply to say that words like "n****r" and "r****d" and the attitude they come from were experienced on many occasions by kids. Over the years, our family has received much love and support; the Blue Heron Support Services Association is a good example of this.
When the crosswalks for Barrhead's two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning (2SLGBTQ+) and disability communities were painted, my family celebrated.
We were affirmed, and healing took place.
It is not just paint on the road but recognition that my children were accepted in the place where they grew up.
Our society, like our family, has always been diverse, but certain folk have been marginalized to the edges.
These crosswalks are symbols. They say we accept you fully, be part of us.
I ask you, as a citizen, to join me in taking the time to vote no to the Neutral Space Bylaw plebiscite.
Rev. David Pype
Barrhead