transphobia and QAnon-like “child grooming” conspiracy theory.On Monday, Canmore Pride asked Valbella Gourmet Foods for donations to this year’s Pride event, like they had done successfully with other area businesses.But the response they got on Tuesday morning was not what they expected.
LGBTQ Ukrainian refugee couple finds acceptance with Alberta hosts “Please keep these sick people away from the children of this community,” the email continued. “You should be disgusted with yourselves.”The email — purportedly sent by the son of the founder of the deli — then surmised there would be “some woke organization mentally ill enough to help you… but it isn’t Valbella’s.”Canmore Pride co-chair K Kealy was shocked by the reply sent just after 7:30 a.m.“I was not expecting a reply like that,” they told Global News. “I know there are people who are homophobic, transphobic and that type of thing.
To be that outwardly, almost proudly transphobic is super sick and just so disappointing and shocking.”The inclusive climbing event is planned for the 2022 Canmore Pride weekend in mid-September and is one of many organized with local group Crush Collective.
But it’s the first time Kealy can recall the local pride organization – just two years old – has received a vitriolic response.“Canmore Pride generally has such positive and supportive feedback from the community,” they said.“As a trans and queer person, I definitely have received some comments or transphobic experiences within the community, generally from individuals, not usually from businesses.” ‘Winging it’: Trans health-care coverage spotty, hard to navigate across Canada The Canmore business first founded in 1978 was quick to respond, following backlash on social.