Photo: Used with permission from Michael Rikley-Lancaster
A new episode of “Silence Broken: The IPV Talks” is putting a spotlight on hate, safety and Pride Month in local communities.
Host Bob Perreault and Lanark County Interval House Executive Director Erin Lee are joined by Michael Rikley-Lancaster, the executive director and curator of the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum.
Rikley-Lancaster is also a strong advocate in the LGBTQIA2S+ plus community. The Almonte museum is recognized as Canada’s first Rainbow Registered Museum.
The conversation looks at Pride as both a celebration and a protest, especially as queer communities continue to face hate, threats and violence.
Rikley-Lancaster says many people still do not feel fully safe reporting hate-related incidents.
Lee says visibility during Pride Month can challenge public norms and create safety concerns, especially for younger queer people. She says inclusion must happen year-round, not only at flag raisings or public events in June.
The episode also looks at recent hate in Smiths Falls and other communities, and the need to call hate what it is.
Rikley-Lancaster says accountability matters.
You can listen to the complete episode below.
