Despite missing flag, protests, trans flag raised for the first time in Toronto

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Jennifer Pagilaro, Toronto Star
November 20, 2014

It almost didn't happen.


First the multi-coloured flag was reportedly stolen, then a scuffle at the fl->-bleeped-<-ole.

But facing biting winds on the podium roof of city hall, dozens including Mayor-elect John Tory gathered on Thursday afternoon to witness the raising of a flag in remembrance of transgender people lost to violence, suicide and who are still missing.

It was the first time a flag has been raised for the annual transgender day of remembrance at city hall.

The significance of Tory's attendance, despite not being the mayor quite yet, was not lost on organizers.

"I think it's amazing that even before he's had the privilege of being sworn in as the mayor of our city, that John Tory, the mayor-elect is here and we are so glad to see you," said former MPP George Smitherman. "It's a signal of better days ahead here in Toronto and at city hall."

More: http://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2014/11/20/john_tory_councillors_attend_transgender_flagraising_ceremony.html

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How sickly misguided do you have to be to protest at a TDoR event?

[Ms Grace]

From what I can tell, it was other trans people involved in the protest...??

[skin]

It unfortunately was.

[Violet Bloom]

How sickly misguided do you have to be to protest at a TDoR event?

  There are some really strange and often 'frosty elements' in the Toronto trans community.  For that reason I don't involve myself much socially in this city amongst the other trans folks.  It's just too much to take and makes me feel like I look bad just by association.  Too bad because I know there are lots of pretty cool transpeople here.

  I suppose this isn't much different from any other identifiable group in Toronto though - too many outrageous activists that don't seem to have anything better to do with their time.  I just shrug and try to ignore all of it.