Re: 鈥淎ffordable housing a key issue in Sidney,鈥� Oct. 18.
Rainbow crosswalk images are often used to create the idea of diversity and safety. As a queer nonbinary person, I understand them differently: I know that gender and sexual minorities, especially those who are racialized, face workplace and housing discrimination and often violence.
I know that the area known as 鈥淪idney鈥� on W?S脕NEC麓 lands named SET,TINES has a nearly zero vacancy rate, which is similar to so-called 鈥淰ictoria鈥� on Lekwungen lands that has a .7 per cent vacancy rate.
Most shelters don鈥檛 offer safe spaces for LGBTQ2S people, and there are no shelters north of the Arbutus Shelter across from Mayfair mall.
With nearly 1,500 unhoused people in so-called 鈥淰ictoria,鈥� this is not nearly enough. We need to be supporting more sustainable and supportive options, such as safe and affordable housing.
Safe spaces can look like spaces and places that honour people鈥檚 identities and actively work to support and provide resources, community and care for marginalized people.
We need to work actively against queer and trans-antagonism, transmisogyny, colonialism, homo-antagonism, racism, and gender-based and sexualized violence.
Having access to safe and affordable housing is necessary. I believe in tent cities, and support the efforts of tent cities such as Camp Namegans, because everyone deserves access to community and care.
Orillia Gail
Shawnigan Lake
