Yasutani Roshi once said, “The fundamental delusion of humanity is to suppose that I am here and you are out there.”
We do not live in a world where physical borders separate our nations and peoples. We live in a world where human rights violations and our complacency separate us as global citizens.
We are privileged to be living in a country where our lived realities are protected by laws. We have the freedom to celebrate Pride across Canada, to wear our cultural and religious garments, to simply live our lives authentically.
However, these rights did not always exist and may not always exist as we have witnessed in recent years in such places like Russia, Uganda, Brunei and just two weeks ago in Istanbul, Turkey. Even right here in the city of Surrey where after celebrating 16 years of Pride, the city of Surrey still refuses to raise our rainbow flag in front of their City Hall.
It is our duty as global citizens to be the voices for those whose liberties have been silenced and to be the march for those whose feet have been bound.
Our work for diversity and inclusion is much more than our collective strive for individual and localized advancements, it’s about fostering and realizing a tomorrow where everyone everywhere can live their lives authentically.
I encourage everyone to be active voices and participants in not only our own communities but also as global citizens in our global communities.
We exist together, both here and out there.
Congratulations to all the recipients and nominees of the 2015 @CityofVancouver Awards of Excellence.
I feel truly honoured and humbled to be among your nomination for the City of Vancouver 2015 Awards of Excellence.
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