I work at Queen’s University part time as a Sr. Advisor and Adjunct Lecturer. This was sent to the Principal of the university yesterday and intercepted by security. I post it here today for a couple of reasons.
Most importantly, running for office should not generate this type of hate. If we are going to try to encourage people of all stripes to participate in our democracy, it is going to be important that we all try to eliminate the vitriol that has increased over the past few years. I have received these messages before, as a Member of Parliament, so they do not get to me as much as they used to. However, this recent message is a reminder that we all need to recognize one another’s humanity, even if we might differ in perspective or policy, gender or race. We will all be better for it.
Second, it should be noted that these types of messages do not take aim at my ideas, platform, way of thinking, passions, cares or concern; they attack two important identities that intersect with others to make me who I am - my Blackness (which is clearly visible) and my mental health status (I have major depressive disorder and anxiety which are not so visible). When I chose to go public with my depression, there were a number of people who surrounded me, some very close to me, who encouraged me not to. They were worried that people would use it to label me as weak, to suggest that I didn’t have what it took to do the work. That politics is a “bloodsport”. I call BS.
I hope you can tell by now that I’m willing to defend my principles, and those of the people I represent, regardless of relationship or affiliation. And I can also recognize those times where I need to just lie in my bed for a moment, and cry. To those of you reading this, who have felt that before or feel it right now, know that you are not weak. Being vulnerable exhibits exceptional strength. Take pride in that.
Additionally, politics is not a bloodsport, and ought not to be. Politics should engender the free exchange of ideas towards the common good. That’s the way I’m going to run this campaign. And that’s the perspective I will bring to the Mayor’s office. Ideas and solutions steeped in compassion and consciousness with the aim of creating safer, more inclusive communities.
I recognize the power and privilege that I have based on my previous job, so I don’t post this to play victim. The concern that I have is when this type of hate exists, and spreads, how does it impact people that do not have the same privileges? The ones who navigate systems where hostility to their identities, is a normal way of operating. To you I say, stand firm in who you are. Know that your experiences are valid and powerful.
I am running this race to do politics differently. We have been shown time and time again that hate can win. Let’s now show the world that love can too.
<3333