Annual Strut Walk celebrates Canada’s acceptance of LGBTQ community

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – They strut their stuff for those who can’t. Earlier today at Sunset Beach in Vancouver, dozens of people walked in the 4th annual Strut Walk to celebrate Canada’s acceptance of the LGBTQ community, while showcasing other countries still have a way to go.

The one mile walk was to remind people that homosexuality is still illegal in about 80 countries.

Organizer Chad Wilkinson with the group Foundation of Hope says the heels participants, including men and women, wore during the walk is a metaphor.

“The heel itself was initially part of the symbol of the stiletto, a symbol of normative statements about gender, about sexuality and the ability to say, ‘You know this is a painful thing to wear but the pain we experience is nothing compared to the pain you experience if you have to live your life in the closet.'”

The walk raises money for charities that support LGBTQ refugees when they come to Canada. Wilkinson says having to leave everything behind is a hard and difficult experience for those faced with the challenge.

“They don’t know anyone, they’re carrying trauma. They benefit tremendously but they are here and they’re carrying that. In the Middle East, it’s forbidden, it’s illegal, it’s punishable by death to be LGBT. Individuals that have been coming from any Arab countries or from Iran have faced serious threats, honour killings.”

Xavier Toledo, a refugee from Ecuador, says back home he wasn’t able to be himself. “I wanted to move on and go to a safe country and that country is Canada.”

The walk has raised more than $50,000.

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