Re: Cowboys and gals proudly out there, by Kenzie Love, May 20-26, 2010

Regarding the upcoming gay rodeo, I must admit to feeling a certain amount of frustration and disappointment with respect to the boosterism being accorded an event that has had more than its share of controversy, with this promo piece appearing here in Fast Forward Weekly.

Fast Forward Weekly does both the gay community and society at large a great disservice by promoting such an outmoded and cruelty laden event, at a time when more and more people are rejecting this as a mindless form of “entertainment,” as perpetrated on the lives and limbs of innocent non-human victims.

We have been actively opposing this rodeo, as well as the Calgary Stampede, for what it does to the non-humans, placing them at high risk of injury and death, even though we have been accused of being anti-gay — a rather peculiar claim to make since certain members of our organization are gay. In fact, while we haven't always been able to stage protests every year, there have been brave souls who have been assaulted by rodeo members for having quietly stood with pride outside of the Symons Valley Ranch with their protest signs avowing their being gay, and anti-rodeo.

One person in particular, for whom I have great admiration for his courage, was physically assaulted by some cowardly rodeo participants there, proving once again that those who frequent such horrific spectacles tend to be abusive towards life in general, utterly disregarding the rights of others to live their lives free from abuse and exploitation.

I would like to invite everyone who has a sense of decency and regard for the rights of all to live their lives without encumbrance by others (outside of those who would exploit others' lives for their own selfishness, that is) to boycott this event, along with the Calgary Stampede, a rodeo already reeling from an increasing lack of interest.

Stand proud and stand tall in opposing rodeo and all things cruel and unnecessary.

Michael Alvarez-Toye,

Spokesperson, Calgary Animal Rights Coalition