Here I sit in the Windsor bus terminal waiting for my 1am bus to Toronto and using downtown business assocation free wi-fi - (how smart is that?!).
The Windsor meeting tonight was powerful and an incredible end to the first major travel phase of NSTP. I will post the pics later from Toronto or Ottawa as I am headed there now. I am exhilirated and exhausted.
Tonight's Windsor welcome was just that -- very welcome. Thirteen folks came to the meeting and we talked and covered many issues over two hours. The biggest question was always -- "what can we do?". And that question was even more powerful when we were joined by two very brave gay men who are currently living in Windsor as refugees from Colombia. It was a true example of the amount of work we need to do for GLBT refugees. And the learning curve for all of us is very steep.
I will be blogging more on the substance of the 9 city meetings I have had so far next week.
Heading to Vancouver on Tuesday, May 3rd for three weeks. (Although one of those weeks will include a short trip to Vienna and Warsaw - but more on that later.)
Friday 29 April 2011
Wednesday 27 April 2011
Schedule notes: Windsor Friday night -- please spread the word; Sudbury cancelled
See longer post below after Thunder Bay post.
Sault Ste Marie - energy personified
In Sault Ste Marie they get up pretty early in the morning to come to a meeting! We met over a great breakfast shortly after I arrived on the overnight bus from Thunder Bay. Nine SSMarie'ers came including the dedicated lads who live 50 miles outside of the city!
We had a great discussion and talked about the community building going on in Sault Ste Marie and the welcoming approach they take on GLBT issues.
I was thrilled by the contacts -- and will certainly be keeping in touch with them as they plan a second conference "focussing on the gay family" this September.
The bonus for me of the trip was being given a personal tour by Marni AND the offer of a ride bright and early tomorrow morning to Sudbury with the UCW! (United Church Women....for those who thought something less exotic). Thanks Marni!
We had a great discussion and talked about the community building going on in Sault Ste Marie and the welcoming approach they take on GLBT issues.
I was thrilled by the contacts -- and will certainly be keeping in touch with them as they plan a second conference "focussing on the gay family" this September.
Part of the Sault group -- others had to get to work!
The International Bridge (to USA)
Steel Plant
Another day -- another bus station
Thunder Bay - wow!
What do they call people from Thunder Bay?
Awesome and superior!
There was a wonderful group of 11 people who came out last night in Thunder Bay to talk about GLBT refugees. Most of them even arrived before our 7pm start.
But the amazing thing was that we had a group made up of gay and straight people who are concerned about the basic issue of refugees and the particular plight of queer people in the world.
I speak about the "principles" of the NSTP often. One of them is reconnecting with my old activist network throughout the country and Thunder Bay was another gold mine for me. I haven't seen Michael Sloboda in probably close to ten years. Michael is…. Well, just an amazing man in our community, no, actually, our country. He served at the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay for 24 years. He has been a steady presence in speaking out for equality, justice and human rights. He was there -- speaking passinately again about the need to be vigilant on government actions -- while at the same time mobilizing, educating and acting. It is always great to reconnect with old activist friends -- there is a bond there where it doesn't matter the time that has passed -- we know that we still have work to do.
Thunder Bay 11!
What a wonderful group of gays and straights working together
We are looking at eachother...in solidarity
Bravo Thunder Bay Public Library for hosting NSTP
Check out the rug!
Schedule notes: Windsor Friday night -- please spread the word; Sudbury cancelled
Important note: Due to scheduling problems, I will not be stopping in Sudbury on Thursday as planned. Instead I will just be "passing through". I will overnight in Toronto before heading to Windsor on Friday morning for the meeting in the evening. (Thanks to Marni from Sault Ste Marie - I will get a ride to Sudbury instead of the 4 hour bus ride!).
Please spread the word in Windsor if you know anyone there.
Please spread the word in Windsor if you know anyone there.
Tuesday 26 April 2011
Touring and interviewing in Thunder Bay
The Thunder Bay tour de force continued throughout the day with an extensive tour through the industrial and social parts of the merged city. A drop by the new City Hall preceded an excellent interview on Voyage North, the CBC afternoon show with Cathy Alex.
The meeting tonight will be the 7th in the tour. Immediately after the meeting it is back to Mr. Greyhound for an overnight bus to Sault Ste Marie. I have a breakfast meeting there tomorrow with a number of people who do work with newcomers.
The meeting tonight will be the 7th in the tour. Immediately after the meeting it is back to Mr. Greyhound for an overnight bus to Sault Ste Marie. I have a breakfast meeting there tomorrow with a number of people who do work with newcomers.
Live on CBC Thunder Bay afternoon show:
Journey North with Cathy Alex
Dropping by City Hall
NSTP meets Mayor of Thunder Bay
The Thunder Bay welcome arranged by Paul Morralee (http://www.morvision.on.ca/) continues to exceed any reasonable expectations.
Here is a picture of recently elected Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs after being introduced to me at a traditional Finnish breakfast at Hoito in downtown. The Mayor even picked up the tab for our breakfast! I am not sure how many other mayors will do this -- but it sure has made the arrival in Thunder Bay even more welcoming. And it confirms the meaning of "Hoito" - care!
Reminder of tonight's meeting:
Here is a picture of recently elected Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs after being introduced to me at a traditional Finnish breakfast at Hoito in downtown. The Mayor even picked up the tab for our breakfast! I am not sure how many other mayors will do this -- but it sure has made the arrival in Thunder Bay even more welcoming. And it confirms the meaning of "Hoito" - care!
Reminder of tonight's meeting:
7:00-8:30 PM
Thunder Bay Public Library
Waverley Resource Library
285 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, ON
Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs
T-Bay movie and shaker & host extraordinaire
Paul Morralee at Finnish Club for breakfast
The Sleeping Giant
Monday 25 April 2011
The bus trip so far.....
The NSTP is just under 2 weeks old - and tonight I hop on the overnight bus to Thunder Bay which will be city #7 in province #4.
I am finding a fair bit of success with wireless - but time is sometimes crunched to get the postings done so I am appreciating a "down" day here in Winnipeg before heading out tonight at 10pm.
Lots of new "road photos" posted and hopefully they will help capture sights from the road. Go to Photos from the Road section to check them out!
Some fun factoids about the North Star Bus Travel:
I am finding a fair bit of success with wireless - but time is sometimes crunched to get the postings done so I am appreciating a "down" day here in Winnipeg before heading out tonight at 10pm.
Lots of new "road photos" posted and hopefully they will help capture sights from the road. Go to Photos from the Road section to check them out!
Some fun factoids about the North Star Bus Travel:
- Travelling on "Explorer Pass" which allows unlimited travel between April 16 and May 1
- Cost (with Hostelling discount): $268.80
- No tickets required for any bus -- just walk up and show pass to driver
- One exception -- a mystery to all -- a separate ticket was required from Regina to Saskatoon
- Cost of ticket: $42.42
- Wireless on bus from Regina to Saskatoon -- but the signal didn't work
- Riding overnight buses saves on accommodation costs (3 night bus rides so far)
- I always sit on left side of bus -- aisle seat if sharing. (easier to cross my legs)
- You can "reserve" a seat on Greyhound -- which I have not done yet although some clever ones book the 3 seater at the back so they can lie down
- My ipod nano is a good friend
- Had a limited playlist on the Western Canada swing -- but it included classic Johnny Cash at San Quentin and the famous heckler line he used when he said: "I am sorry I couldn't hear you -- I was speaking"!
- For those who don't know the lines to the Man in Black's San Quentin song, check it out under the "Quotes and Buzz" page!
The Red Deer Man
Vulcan, Alberta - how could I resist?
Friday 22 April 2011
Thursday 21 April 2011
Lethbridge - A bridge built, ideas exchanged
When Mickey from Lethbridge jumped in to organize the event there, he had one criteria he would not budge on: that we would have the meeting at Lethbridge Immigrant Services.
This bridging of the "mainstream" with GLBT refugees reflects one of the principles of this work. We need to be working collaboratively with agencies like Lethbridge Immigrants Services to understand the work associated with refugees, their rights and settlement.
Lethbridge was an amazing meeting -- with nine people who participated in a long, detailed discussion about the project, refugee rights, Group of 5 sponsorship (pro and con), and the importance of education about the challenges that refugees face when arriving in Canada.
The discussion was really the "toughest" one to date -- but also incredibly powerful. Taking a stand, doing something or wanting to make a difference will involve struggle, debate, tension and hope. Those are some of the experiences I am witnessing and participating in.
Heading to Winnipeg this morning on a 21 hour bus ride -- and will blog the rest of this leg over the weekend.
This bridging of the "mainstream" with GLBT refugees reflects one of the principles of this work. We need to be working collaboratively with agencies like Lethbridge Immigrants Services to understand the work associated with refugees, their rights and settlement.
Lethbridge was an amazing meeting -- with nine people who participated in a long, detailed discussion about the project, refugee rights, Group of 5 sponsorship (pro and con), and the importance of education about the challenges that refugees face when arriving in Canada.
The discussion was really the "toughest" one to date -- but also incredibly powerful. Taking a stand, doing something or wanting to make a difference will involve struggle, debate, tension and hope. Those are some of the experiences I am witnessing and participating in.
Heading to Winnipeg this morning on a 21 hour bus ride -- and will blog the rest of this leg over the weekend.
Wednesday 20 April 2011
REVISED Schedule - amended dates in Ontario, London postponed
Planning is in full swing and the logistics are many to cross the country, find contacts, set up meetings and doing promotion. Thanks to everyone out there who has been emailing and offering help. Right now Paul in Thunder Bay has been so incredible....booking the room, publicizing, lining up media, plans to pick me up at the bus station, making sure I am fed and watered....and I haven't even met him yet! Another confirmation about my belief that a tour like this can be sustained by simplicity and the kindness of community (and strangers).
So -- I had not entirely assessed the "impact" that the upcoming Easter weekend would have on NSTP. I listen to people on the ground -- and as a result we have moved the dates by one day of Thunder Bay, Sault Ste Marie and Sudbury. (see new schedule below).
The impact of these 3 dates means that the April 28 meeting in London will be postponed. The NSTP will be in Toronto and Southern Ontario again in the final phase in July. I am currently looking for a London date in July. (Offers welcome!).
Windsor is still on for April 29. I just hope the Royal Wedding doesn't affect the crowd too much!
REVISED SCHEDULE: (Accurate as of 4pm Alberta time - April 20th)
Thunder Bay -- April 26 - 7:00-8:30 pm at Waverley Resource Library
Sault Ste Marie -- April 27 -- still planning -- help if you can
Sudbury -- April 28 -- still planning -- help if you can
Windsor -- April 29 -- 6:30-8:00 pm at Windsor Pride Centre
Future cities:
Vancouver & Victoria: May 4-10
Hamilton (Canadian Council for Refugees Conference): May 27
Montreal: May 30 - June 4
Halifax: June 13 or 14
Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John, (New Brunswick): June
Charlottetown: June
St. John's: no later than June 22
London, Toronto, Ottawa: July
So -- I had not entirely assessed the "impact" that the upcoming Easter weekend would have on NSTP. I listen to people on the ground -- and as a result we have moved the dates by one day of Thunder Bay, Sault Ste Marie and Sudbury. (see new schedule below).
The impact of these 3 dates means that the April 28 meeting in London will be postponed. The NSTP will be in Toronto and Southern Ontario again in the final phase in July. I am currently looking for a London date in July. (Offers welcome!).
Windsor is still on for April 29. I just hope the Royal Wedding doesn't affect the crowd too much!
REVISED SCHEDULE: (Accurate as of 4pm Alberta time - April 20th)
Thunder Bay -- April 26 - 7:00-8:30 pm at Waverley Resource Library
Sault Ste Marie -- April 27 -- still planning -- help if you can
Sudbury -- April 28 -- still planning -- help if you can
Windsor -- April 29 -- 6:30-8:00 pm at Windsor Pride Centre
Future cities:
Vancouver & Victoria: May 4-10
Hamilton (Canadian Council for Refugees Conference): May 27
Montreal: May 30 - June 4
Halifax: June 13 or 14
Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John, (New Brunswick): June
Charlottetown: June
St. John's: no later than June 22
London, Toronto, Ottawa: July
Tuesday 19 April 2011
Calgary meeting with the fab 5!
Blogging from cafes with free wireless has its perils...including my current one where they are closing in 5 minutes! So I will have to blog the Calgary meeting tomorrow from Lethbridge where I will have a full day to catch up.
But, you need to know that there were five amazing folks who showed up tonight at the Old Y Centre in Calgary. We had a really amazing conversation about freedom, being Canadian, integration, queer immigrant youth, the rodeo, and hope.
You will know why they were the Fab 5 when I post the photo tomorrow! Come back and check it out.
But, you need to know that there were five amazing folks who showed up tonight at the Old Y Centre in Calgary. We had a really amazing conversation about freedom, being Canadian, integration, queer immigrant youth, the rodeo, and hope.
You will know why they were the Fab 5 when I post the photo tomorrow! Come back and check it out.
Calgary's Fab 5
(actually Son had to leave so she is below!)
Photo idea& credit: Murray from meeting next door
Photo idea& credit: Murray from meeting next door
Son arranged our meeting logistics at
the Old Y Centre. Thanks Son!
Great Community space -
we are using community capacity on the NSTP!
Just so you realize we also had a serious part of the meeting
Monday 18 April 2011
Edmonton - with snow on the ground still!
Good day in Edmonton with a number of contacts established, a great meeting with an old friend and accomplished feminist scholar who teaches at University of Alberta Lise Gottell. Lise has connected me with a number of people including my final Edmonton meeting tomorrow with former Edmonton City Councillor Michael Phair. Spent the day catching up on more planning, blogging, emails, and some sleep.
I leave for Calgary on the afternoon bus (it will be nice to see some scenery) and then the meeting tomorrow evening at the Old Y Centre. (See poster below).
Lethbridge Wednesday evening and then head back to Winnipeg for Easter weekend with my dad and family before the Northern Ontario swing!
Today's Bravo call goes out to my Edmonton hosts Harry and Gerry Meimarolgou and Lise for buying me lunch!
I leave for Calgary on the afternoon bus (it will be nice to see some scenery) and then the meeting tomorrow evening at the Old Y Centre. (See poster below).
Lethbridge Wednesday evening and then head back to Winnipeg for Easter weekend with my dad and family before the Northern Ontario swing!
Today's Bravo call goes out to my Edmonton hosts Harry and Gerry Meimarolgou and Lise for buying me lunch!
Sunday 17 April 2011
Leaving Regina for Saskatoon then Edmonton tomorrow
Very good day in Regina! Met with Mikayla of TransSask Support Services and a wonderful chance meeting with Wes from All Nations Hope AIDS Network. It was a reminder of the many challenges we face in dealing with gender identity issues in our own country let alone in the refugee system.
Wesley's generosity in our short encounter is summed up when he wrote in the NSTP Journal:
"What services are you looking for in helping out the 'new' GLBT arrivals? Our agency would do anything to help out!"
How amazing is that? I believe to my core that our community will raise the level of discussion, dialogue and direct action when it comes to helping GLBT refugees.
Thanks to Mikayla for joining me for lunch at Trifon's Pizza -- a blast from my youth in Brandon. (I have "The Brute" just like 30 years ago). Then she gave me a short walking tour of downtown Regina.
Now I am heading for the 5:30pm bus to Saskatoon for an evening with Saskatchewan gay icon Gens Hellquist who I haven't seen in many years. The Tour is about meeting new people (Mikayla and Wes) and reconnecting with old activist friends like Gens.
Wes & Mikayla
Wesley's generosity in our short encounter is summed up when he wrote in the NSTP Journal:
"What services are you looking for in helping out the 'new' GLBT arrivals? Our agency would do anything to help out!"
How amazing is that? I believe to my core that our community will raise the level of discussion, dialogue and direct action when it comes to helping GLBT refugees.
Thanks to Mikayla for joining me for lunch at Trifon's Pizza -- a blast from my youth in Brandon. (I have "The Brute" just like 30 years ago). Then she gave me a short walking tour of downtown Regina.
Now I am heading for the 5:30pm bus to Saskatoon for an evening with Saskatchewan gay icon Gens Hellquist who I haven't seen in many years. The Tour is about meeting new people (Mikayla and Wes) and reconnecting with old activist friends like Gens.
Mikayla and David in Regina
Gay & Lesbian Community of Regina Centre
Arrived in Regina at 6:10 am
On the bus for eight hours from Winnipeg and now in Regina. Have a couple of meetings set up today. (It was interesting to be in my hometown of Brandon at 2:30 in the morning. Picked up a Brandon Sun which had reprinted the Free Press article).
Assiniboine River was very high and saw plenty of sandbags. Check out the Red River photos I posted this morning.
The forward planning is going well. This week in Alberta will be great -- lots of enthusiasm there -- with a special call out to the folks in Lethbridge. Wednesday's event is going to be great.
Thunder Bay is well underway with a location to be confirmed tomorrow for the visit on April 25th.
Still very keen to find some Sault Ste Marie and Sudbury folks to meet with. Spread the word to have them contact me.
Assiniboine River was very high and saw plenty of sandbags. Check out the Red River photos I posted this morning.
The forward planning is going well. This week in Alberta will be great -- lots of enthusiasm there -- with a special call out to the folks in Lethbridge. Wednesday's event is going to be great.
Thunder Bay is well underway with a location to be confirmed tomorrow for the visit on April 25th.
Still very keen to find some Sault Ste Marie and Sudbury folks to meet with. Spread the word to have them contact me.
Saturday 16 April 2011
Today's Winnipeg Free Press
Clink here for story: Winnipeg Free Press Story April 16, 2011
Carol Sanders has written an excellent story about the NSTP and captured some essential points. She has also written a number of other important stories about refugees here in Winnipeg. I would like to introduce her to Ottawa Citizen journalist Louisa Taylor as they both are writing incredible stories about people in our world. (Except that Louisa Taylor insists on putting my age in the story!)
Winnipeg has been a tremendous host to the launch of North Star Triangle Project. I leave on the bus for Regina and beyond tonight at 11:30 pm. My first of several overnight bus rides. I will keep you posted on the level of comfort and noise!
Carol Sanders has written an excellent story about the NSTP and captured some essential points. She has also written a number of other important stories about refugees here in Winnipeg. I would like to introduce her to Ottawa Citizen journalist Louisa Taylor as they both are writing incredible stories about people in our world. (Except that Louisa Taylor insists on putting my age in the story!)
Winnipeg has been a tremendous host to the launch of North Star Triangle Project. I leave on the bus for Regina and beyond tonight at 11:30 pm. My first of several overnight bus rides. I will keep you posted on the level of comfort and noise!
It was just starting to snow when WPF photographer John Woods took this pic
Lots of snow this morning in Winnipeg which has slowed the flooding.
Friday 15 April 2011
Update Schedule for National Bus Tour
The North Star Triangle Project tour launched in Winnipeg on April 13, 2011.
The tour then leaves Winnipeg near midnight on April 16th and the bus will roll along to:
Regina and Saskatoon - April 17 (change from original) - morning in Regina, afternoon/eve in S'toon
Edmonton - April 18 (change from original)
Calgary - April 19 (change from original) - confirmed at Old Y Centre
Lethbridge - April 20 (change from original) - confirmed at Lethbridge Immigrant Services
Thunder Bay - April 25
Sault Ste. Marie - April 26
Sudbury - April 27
London - April 28
Windsor - April 29 - confirmed at Windsor Pride Community Centre
Future cities -- please contact North Star Triangle to help set up the meetings!
Vancouver - May 2011
Victoria - May 2011
Montreal - June 2011
St. John's, Newfoundland: June 2011
Charlottetown - June 2011
Halifax - June 14, 2011
Saint John - June 2011
Moncton - June 2011
Toronto - June 2011
Ottawa - June 2011
The tour then leaves Winnipeg near midnight on April 16th and the bus will roll along to:
Regina and Saskatoon - April 17 (change from original) - morning in Regina, afternoon/eve in S'toon
Edmonton - April 18 (change from original)
Calgary - April 19 (change from original) - confirmed at Old Y Centre
Lethbridge - April 20 (change from original) - confirmed at Lethbridge Immigrant Services
Thunder Bay - April 25
Sault Ste. Marie - April 26
Sudbury - April 27
London - April 28
Windsor - April 29 - confirmed at Windsor Pride Community Centre
Future cities -- please contact North Star Triangle to help set up the meetings!
Vancouver - May 2011
Victoria - May 2011
Montreal - June 2011
St. John's, Newfoundland: June 2011
Charlottetown - June 2011
Halifax - June 14, 2011
Saint John - June 2011
Moncton - June 2011
Toronto - June 2011
Ottawa - June 2011
Lethbridge here I come!
Thursday 14 April 2011
First CHANGE of plan!
Well I guess any national bus tour needs to be flexible.....so, here is the first change.
My Lethbridge meeting is picking up steam big time -- and so we have had to move it from April 21 to NEW DATE of April 20th. (It was right up against Easter long weekend so we thought best to change).
So that means that Saskatoon will now be this Sunday (April 17) and then Edmonton (April 18) and Calgary at the Old Y Centre for Community Organizatoins on Tuesday, April 19.
PLEASE HELP ME PROMOTE THESE MEETINGS -- especially Saskatoon and Edmonton!
My Lethbridge meeting is picking up steam big time -- and so we have had to move it from April 21 to NEW DATE of April 20th. (It was right up against Easter long weekend so we thought best to change).
So that means that Saskatoon will now be this Sunday (April 17) and then Edmonton (April 18) and Calgary at the Old Y Centre for Community Organizatoins on Tuesday, April 19.
PLEASE HELP ME PROMOTE THESE MEETINGS -- especially Saskatoon and Edmonton!
Wednesday 13 April 2011
Thank you Winnipeg and Rainbow Resource Centre!
Today we launched the North Star Triangle Project to a standing room only group of 18 caring, passionate and committed GLBT Winnipeggers.
I will blog more tomorrow with some of the issues we discussed and the challenges ahead for potential sponsorships. Here are a couple of photos - and a short video will be posted tomorrow.
Departing on overnight bus for Regina on Saturday at 11:30 pm. Still looking to connect with people in Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste Marie, Sudbury and London. Please spread the word!
I will blog more tomorrow with some of the issues we discussed and the challenges ahead for potential sponsorships. Here are a couple of photos - and a short video will be posted tomorrow.
Departing on overnight bus for Regina on Saturday at 11:30 pm. Still looking to connect with people in Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste Marie, Sudbury and London. Please spread the word!
Zack took this picture of half our group
Winnipeg's own Group of 5 joined us at the meeting
Thanks Chad -- Executive Director at RRC
Rainbow Resource Centre in Winnipeg -- awesome!
Tuesday 12 April 2011
LAUNCH DAY! Ottawa Citizen Story and Video
Hot off the press in Ottawa tomorrow morning will be a story by journalist Louisa Taylor. @louisataylorCIT
You can clink and read it here:Ottawa Citizen story - April 13, 2011
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/David+Pepper+plans+saving+persecuted+GLBT+refugee+city+time/4604625/story.html?cid=megadrop_story
or here it is:
David Pepper plans on saving a persecuted GLBT refugee one city at a time
Pepper, a longtime Ottawa activist and organizer, begins his trip Wednesday in Winnipeg, where he’ll officially launch the North Star Triangle Project. His volunteer effort aims to mobilize members of Canada’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) communities to sponsor men and women being persecuted in other countries for their sexuality. It’s a simple idea: take the bus to 14 cities, meet with GLBT groups and individuals to share his knowledge of refugee issues and what they can do to help someone who has been forced to flee their home country.
Pepper will be visiting Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge, before returning through Ontario and ending in Windsor by the end of April — 14 cities in all. In May he flies to British Columbia, and in June he heads to the east coast. He’s still looking for contacts in some towns, but gaps in the schedule don’t worry him.
“I believe that there are gays and lesbians in every town in this country who want to do something for gay refugees in the rest of the world,” says Pepper, 48. “If I can help link them up with resources locally, provincially or nationally in a way that helps them contribute with their own aspirations, that in itself will be a goal met.”
Homosexuality is illegal in 77 countries, and carries the death penalty in five, according to Egale, the national GLBT human rights organization.
“Those of us who have been active in GLBT human rights issues for most of our lives are well aware of the horrific stories we heard coming out of Iran in the ’80s, where young gay men were hanged, and more recently, in Uganda,” says Pepper, referring to the East African nation where a leading gay rights activist was beaten to death earlier this year.
Canada grants permanent resident status to an average of 30,000 refugees each year. In a speech last June, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney urged Canadians of all stripes to “step up to the plate” and make use of the government’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program to help people fleeing persecution in their home countries. He singled out members of the gay and lesbian community, and urged them to organize to sponsor homosexuals “facing persecution simply for who they are.”
That challenge stuck with Pepper. Within a few months, he and a handful of friends had begun a “group of five,” one category of private sponsorship in which individuals come together to sponsor a United Nations-certified refugee. They commit to providing initial financial support for his or her settlement and helping the refugee make a home in Canada. Thousands of refugees have been sponsored in this way, in addition to those sponsored by church groups and settlement agencies.
Pepper’s group, which includes friend Lisa Hebert and immigration lawyer Mike Bell, has identified a Colombian woman they want to sponsor. They’re beginning the paperwork necessary to bring her to Canada, and researching how best to support her as she settles in Ottawa.
Pepper then decided to take it one step further, and the speaking tour was born. He began networking, offering to lead information sessions through GLBT organizations in cities across the country. He dubbed his effort the North Star Triangle Project, an homage to Canada’s role as a safe haven to American slaves.
“It’s really important that more Canadians think about how they can contribute to giving a new home to someone facing persecution, including members of GLBT communities, who know what it’s like to suffer discrimination,” says Janet Dench, executive director of the Canadian Council for Refugees. “I’m really hoping that it will speak to the imagination of people across the country. It’s a small amount of hardship for David on the Greyhound but even that might remind people of the kind of luxury we live in here, and the broader world out there, where attacks on the rights of gays and lesbians are very acute.”
Pepper paid $277 for his bus pass for the first leg of the tour, and plans to stay in hostels most of the way, perhaps even sleep on the occasional couch. As for why he’s doing it now, while on sabbatical from his job as director of community development at the Ottawa Police Service, Pepper says it’s simple.
“I have tons of privilege and one of the privileges I have right now is the luxury of time and resources,” he says. “This is about going out and educating and getting the attention of people of goodwill — my generation and the younger generation — who actually care and know that we can help change the world and make it better. “
ltaylor@ottawacitizen.com
For more information, visit www.northstartriangle.blogspot.com or find it on Facebook.
You can clink and read it here:Ottawa Citizen story - April 13, 2011
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/David+Pepper+plans+saving+persecuted+GLBT+refugee+city+time/4604625/story.html?cid=megadrop_story
or here it is:
David Pepper plans on saving a persecuted GLBT refugee one city at a time
By Louisa Taylor, Ottawa Citizen
David Pepper has his Greyhound bus pass, his backpack, and his laptop for Tweeting, blogging and updating his Facebook page. The man is ready for a 21st-century, one-man awareness-raising trip across the country.
Pepper will be visiting Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge, before returning through Ontario and ending in Windsor by the end of April — 14 cities in all. In May he flies to British Columbia, and in June he heads to the east coast. He’s still looking for contacts in some towns, but gaps in the schedule don’t worry him.
“I believe that there are gays and lesbians in every town in this country who want to do something for gay refugees in the rest of the world,” says Pepper, 48. “If I can help link them up with resources locally, provincially or nationally in a way that helps them contribute with their own aspirations, that in itself will be a goal met.”
Homosexuality is illegal in 77 countries, and carries the death penalty in five, according to Egale, the national GLBT human rights organization.
“Those of us who have been active in GLBT human rights issues for most of our lives are well aware of the horrific stories we heard coming out of Iran in the ’80s, where young gay men were hanged, and more recently, in Uganda,” says Pepper, referring to the East African nation where a leading gay rights activist was beaten to death earlier this year.
Canada grants permanent resident status to an average of 30,000 refugees each year. In a speech last June, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney urged Canadians of all stripes to “step up to the plate” and make use of the government’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program to help people fleeing persecution in their home countries. He singled out members of the gay and lesbian community, and urged them to organize to sponsor homosexuals “facing persecution simply for who they are.”
That challenge stuck with Pepper. Within a few months, he and a handful of friends had begun a “group of five,” one category of private sponsorship in which individuals come together to sponsor a United Nations-certified refugee. They commit to providing initial financial support for his or her settlement and helping the refugee make a home in Canada. Thousands of refugees have been sponsored in this way, in addition to those sponsored by church groups and settlement agencies.
Pepper’s group, which includes friend Lisa Hebert and immigration lawyer Mike Bell, has identified a Colombian woman they want to sponsor. They’re beginning the paperwork necessary to bring her to Canada, and researching how best to support her as she settles in Ottawa.
Pepper then decided to take it one step further, and the speaking tour was born. He began networking, offering to lead information sessions through GLBT organizations in cities across the country. He dubbed his effort the North Star Triangle Project, an homage to Canada’s role as a safe haven to American slaves.
“It’s really important that more Canadians think about how they can contribute to giving a new home to someone facing persecution, including members of GLBT communities, who know what it’s like to suffer discrimination,” says Janet Dench, executive director of the Canadian Council for Refugees. “I’m really hoping that it will speak to the imagination of people across the country. It’s a small amount of hardship for David on the Greyhound but even that might remind people of the kind of luxury we live in here, and the broader world out there, where attacks on the rights of gays and lesbians are very acute.”
Pepper paid $277 for his bus pass for the first leg of the tour, and plans to stay in hostels most of the way, perhaps even sleep on the occasional couch. As for why he’s doing it now, while on sabbatical from his job as director of community development at the Ottawa Police Service, Pepper says it’s simple.
“I have tons of privilege and one of the privileges I have right now is the luxury of time and resources,” he says. “This is about going out and educating and getting the attention of people of goodwill — my generation and the younger generation — who actually care and know that we can help change the world and make it better. “
ltaylor@ottawacitizen.com
For more information, visit www.northstartriangle.blogspot.com or find it on Facebook.
David Pepper has formed a group to sponsor a refugee fleeing persecution for sexual orientation. Pepper will be taking his message and experience across the country by bus. Chris Mikula, The Ottawa Citizen
Saturday 9 April 2011
Winnipeg Launch this Wednesday - April 13
The first meeting of the North Star Triangle Project will take place on Wednesday, April 13th at the Rainbow Resource Centre at 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.
Please join us at 170 Scott Street, Winnipeg.
Please join us at 170 Scott Street, Winnipeg.
Monday 4 April 2011
The Mission
GLBT people in Canada have been blessed with a country that at times, has been a beacon of hope for freedom, equality and safety. There’s an urgent need in the world to protect the million plus refugees -- some of whom are GLBT and face a real and present danger in their lives.
The Canadian government has expressed concern over the persecution of GLBT people in the world. Canadian GLBT persons have an opportunity to help gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people around the world, in a number of different ways.
One of these ways is through a "Group of 5" private sponsorship. The sponsorship allows any 5 Canadians, to get together and sponsor a refugee to come to Canada. Recently the federal government launched a project to support Group of 5 initiatives across Canada which will be run by the Rainbow Refugee Committee in Vancouver.
David Pepper a long time gay activist from Ottawa, through the North Star Triangle Project, is working to raise awareness about GLBT refugees and what we, you, all of us, can do about it! For three months in 2011 (April to June), David is making a cross-Canada tour, meeting with GLBT community members and talking about the plight of GLBT refugees and opportunities for Group sponsorships.
The North Star Triangle Project will be launched in Winnipeg in mid-April in Canadian city that has welcomed newcomers for decades. David is also associated with the Capital Rainbow Group which is currently made up of individuals who are undertaking a "Group of 5" application for a lesbian refugee currently living abroad.
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