Diversity Rules Magazine

7 Diversity Rules Magazine February 2017 Matt has been published profes- sionally since 1996 across Canada and some of the United States. Upon re- locating to Leth- bridge from Toron- to, Ontario in 2007 Matthew identified a lack of accessible information for LGBTQ's in Southern Alberta. e Gossip Guy blog was born as a method of filling that niche and grew to encompass many different issues and view- points as well as grip readers not only across Canada, but from as far away as Australia. I m not a violent-by-nature kind of person. Everyone who knows me, or of me, speaks highly of my friendly disposition and attitude. I would never hurt anyone or anything intentionally; but this past Saturday night someone set out to do that to me – just because I'm gay. You always hear of hate crimes happening to other people that are normally so far away you think "ere's no way this could happen to me". I was one of those people myself. I never had any sort of negative attitudes or negative behavior tossed at me before for being gay. To me, being gay isn't my lifestyle – it just means I'm a guy who happens to like other guys. Being gay is also not a choice – but it is part of my identity as that is who I am… and some people still have issues with that. I always walked around feeling somewhat secure and safe wherever I lived. And I've lived in a lot of places before. Never having one problem, I've always felt naturally confidant and friendly and people generally seem to like my personality; sometimes I'm over the top as well… but never directly rude or hurtful. at feeling of confidence and safety was robbed from me this past Saturday evening, along with a good deal of my pride. e night started off pretty normally. I was meeting up with my friends at a local club here in Lethbridge. Everyone had a good time and lots of laughs were had. Some of us dispensed and left the original location and a few of us headed down the street to another club as more of our friends were there. Once inside I got sepa- rated from the group but decided to head outside for a smoke where I engaged a few people in conversation. Now, I've never been one to hide who I am from any- one; but I definitely don't go around advertising that I'm gay – especially in an environment where there is potential for so many different opinions; with alcohol fueling their belief systems. I was asked directly if I was gay – so, I responded honestly and confirmed for him what he already knew. at was that – he threw his first punch and before I knew it I was in the middle of a situation I had been afraid of being in my entire life. Someone has an issue with who I am and planned to do something about it. I should make mention as well that I have always been of the belief system that if someone attacks me – I will defend myself as best I can. Luckily, I workout regu- larly at the gym and am in pretty good shape. I also Hate Crime - Con't on page 13 Surviving A Hate Crime Another Disjointed Thought From The Clearly Insane By Matthew Young, The Gossip Guy

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