Bring him to justice – more media questions

On the 13th of August, the Toronto Police Service issued a Public Safety Alert for one George Flowers, aka “Mr Flowas”, wanted for aggravated sexual assault.  This man, according to that Alert, has been HIV positive since 1996, but never told his sexual partners.

You would think something like this might rate some attention from the media.  Except for one mention on CP24 which is a local all news television station, and one two inch single column item in a local paper, there was nothing.  Radio stations do have this on their news websites, some local, two on the Prairies that I saw, and CKNW, which is in New Wesminster B C.  As I have written before, I know people who dated this man, some of whom have since tested positive, so I’ve written several blogs on this man and the search for him.  When I started, I had thought my words would supplement the coverage in the mainstream media.  However, I had several people tell me I have been the only source of information on this matter.

Today, the Toronto Police Service issued a new Public Safety Alert, this time advising they had a Canada-wide warrant for his arrest on 11 charges of aggravated sexual assault. As I wrote earlier today in “Bring him to justice – a victim speaks”, Global Television Toronto spoke with one of his victims.  Here’s the link the item and interview: www.globaltoronto.com/hiv+positive+man+wanted+for+aggravated+sexual+assault+charges/6442727205/story.html.  Listen to this lady’s words as she describes how her life has been turned upside down by her positive diagnosis and the callous attitude George Flowers displayed when she told him.

I’ve checked the news sites again tonight.  In addition to the news radio sites, I find mention of this in the online editions of both The Toronto Sun and The Toronto Star, for print media and as well as the Global coverage, CITY TV, a local station and CP24 for television.

My question for the media, who now seem to be all gung-ho about covering this story, is this: Why weren’t you doing this back on August 13 when the first Alert was issued?  Why did it take the issuance of a Canada-wide warrant to get your attention?  The tag line on my site is “one lone voice calling in the wilderness”, and in the case of the search for George Flowers, for the past seven weeks, that’s what I’ve been.  I hope that after today, rather than a lone voice, I’m merely part of a chorus.

If you know George Flowers, aka “Mr Flowas”, please contact your local police service or CrimeStoppers.  Help get him off the streets.

Cat.

Glad I don’t live there

In my posting of earlier today, “They can’t be serious”, I talk about a Toronto District School Board study into launching a “queer-centric” school, a school where LGBT staff and students can feel safe.

Shortly after posting that, I came across the following article in today’s online Toronto Sun:  http://www.torontosun.com/2012/09/24/warmington-serious-gender-bender.

I am really glad that I one, don’t have children in the Toronto School system; and two, don’t live in Toronto.  What on earth are the people on the Toronto District School Board thinking?  Or are they?

What message are these educators trying to send to children?  The school years are times when children are very susceptible to ideas.  These posters could, in fact I’m almost tempted to say would, influence some children in ways their parents wouldn’t want them influenced.  I like the quote from an advertising manager the columnist spoke with “We have to get the educator’s heads out of the underpants and start looking toward the moon again, and beyond”.

Who are these people on the School Board?   Where are they getting their ideas from?  The messages contained in these postings belong in high school – but not until grade 11 – not in public schools.  Grade school children don’t need to be told cross-dressing is fine, or that it’s all right to be in a same sex relationship.

And before you think I’m just some prude hiding behind a keyboard, I’m transsexual.  Big  deal.  I also have red hair.  Again, big deal.  And my friends love me just as I am.

Cat.

They can’t be serious

In addition to the “mainstream media” I also read the website for Xtra!, which describes itself as “Canada’s Gay and Lesbian News, among others.  Every so often, something interesting comes up there, such as an item from today that elicited the comment in the title.  The Toronto District School Board is launching a study on the question of whether they should have what they are describing as a “queer-centric” high school. This they define as a school where LBGT teachers and students wouldn’t have to worry about bullying and other problems.  As the TDSB sees it, this would be modelled on the “Afric-centric” high school started last year.  In that case a portion of an existing high school was set aside.  I saw a news report earlier this month that said the “Afric-centric” high school had six students enrolled.

I have problems with this, in fact with both of these ideas for various reasons.  One reason is that the TDSB is once again wasting money on a needless study.  Last spring, after much debate in Queen’s Park (Ontario’s government) an Act was passed calling for GSAs (Gay-Straight Alliances) in all Ontario schools, including Catholic schools.  Considering this, which is supposed to be safe haven for LGBT students, is now required in schools, why would the Toronto Board feel they should have separate schools?

That brings me to my main point of contention with both the “Afric-centric” and “queer-centric” schools.  I went to school in Ontario starting in the 1950’s.  Granted memory fades, but I don’t ever recall a time when Toronto schools weren’t integrated.  Now, with the “Afric-centric” and these “queer-centric” schools, it appears the TDSB is trying to introduce segregated schools. Makes me wonder if this is 2012, or 1912.

Enjoy your day and remember to hug an artist – we need love too.

Cat.

(To answer the question:  yes, the avatar is really me.  It’s from a modelling shoot I did in May)