[van-announce] Queers Shame The BC Liberals

[Queers United Against Kapitalism]

Queers Shame The BC Liberals

It was clear at this year's Pride Parade (Sunday, August 4, 2002) that the BC
Liberals were not a welcome participant.  Lorne Mayencourt, Liberal MLA for
Vancouver's West End, marched with a depressingly small contingent, while two
to three times as many joined the parade to oppose him and his government.
This opposition resonated with the majority of the parade watchers, clearly
signaling Mayencourt's dwindling support.

Mayencourt was dogged from the start by the "Pink Slips", who heckled and
jeered throughout the beginning of the march.  In front another man marched
wearing a butt revealing sandwich board which read "These buns may be cute,
Campbell's cuts aren't".  Mayencourt, who has been trying to defend his
position within the queer community lately, unsuccessfully tried to make the
best of this mockery.

A quarter of the way into the parade, Queers United Against Kapitalism (QUAK)
joined the entourage, taking place front and center in front of Mayencourt.
Carrying banners reading, "Rainbow Flags Not Liberal Fags" and "Queer Bashing
Liberals", QUAK delighted and engaged on-lookers, celebrating Pride, but
clearly shaming the Liberals.

This action was an overwhelming success, and an important note in the
fight-back against the BC Liberals.  Mayencourt, a gay Liberal MLA, could not
even find support or solace in his own riding which hosts the Pride Parade.
Although Mayencourt may pledge to "wear the rainbow flag like a superhero
cape", it is clear that his mantra of love me because I'm gay is not fooling
anyone.  He has been exposed for what he truly is, an active and complicit
member of a government which has unleashed devastating cuts and attacks on
both the queer community, as well as the general population of the province of
BC.

QUAK vows to continue to expose the sell-outs within the queer community.
Politicians like Lorne Mayencourt will not be allowed to claim the voice of
the queer community just by simple identification.  We will expose their
hateful policies and force the issues.  Just because you're gay, doesn't mean
you're good.  As for Mayencourt, it's clear that this feeling now flourishes
within his West End riding.

For more information contact:
Queers United Against Kapitalism - quak at tao.ca