What message does the Danielle Smith ‘straight pride’ photo send to Albertans?
Global News
A photo of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and a Stampede-goer wearing a "straight pride" T-shirt has experts wondering where her office stands on the issue of gender rights.
A controversial photo of Premier Danielle Smith posing with a man in a “Straight Pride” T-shirt at the Calgary Stampede this weekend is causing a stir.
Smith’s office released a statement Monday saying: “The premier didn’t read his shirt and obviously doesn’t agree with its message.
“She has always been clear that she supports the LGBTQ+ community and will continue our work to make sure they feel safe in our province.”
The front of the man’s shirt reads: “Thank a straight person today for your existence” above the classic male/female stick figures — below: “Straight Pride.” The back of the shirt says “Good people disobey bad laws.”
It is “unconscionable” that the premier’s staff would let her take a photo with someone representing such views, said Dr. Kristopher Wells, an associate professor at McEwan University.
“I think it’s very concerning, it’s disturbing,” said the Canada Research chair for the public understanding of sexual and gender minority youth. “What you’re seeing here is people trying to legitimate these views as though they were the dominant views in society.”
It sends the wrong message to people, especially kids in the queer community, he said.
Wells is glad the premier denounced the sentiment and does not support the message, but there was clearly a “staff breakdown” for someone wearing a shirt like that to be able to get, not only so close to the premier, but to take a photo with her.
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