LGBTQ “I identify as transgender. I’ve been walking through this community for the last 4 years and everybody knows me, and they don’t judge me based on my identity.”
Seth Compton found his safe space in North Bay, and in 2019 began his transition from female to male. While attending a vigil for the Transgender Day Of Remembrance, he stood with 45 students and came to the realization that he had a critical message to share with LGBTQ youth.
“As a parent, it broke my heart to hear them say they had no safe space in the community. They had no place to meet other people like them and there was fear there. So, I went home, and I cried, and I said to my wife, “we have to do something.”
That “something” evolved into Outloud North Bay, an organization that promotes inclusion, love and acceptance for LGBTQ youth and their families. In less than a year, small gatherings in public spaces grew into the need for a 4,000 square foot drop-in centre. Although the program is geared toward LGBTQ youth the centre’s doors are open to everyone.
“I want people to know that it’s a community hub for all youth,” Seth says. “About 50% of our kids are allies – they’re just looking for a spot to hang. And the other 50% identify as LGBTQ. But here your identity doesn’t matter. Your culture, your religion, your color, nothing matters. The kids are just in here having a good time and kids being kids. It’s where friends meet.”
Despite Seth’s unwavering commitment to providing a safe refuge for kids, OutLoud North Bay became the target of a hate campaign that allegedly originates from a popular TikTok account in the U.S. In July, after learning that Outloud North Bay was planning an age-appropriate drag show for youth, the group allegedly encouraged followers to harass Seth and OutLoud’s social media accounts. The result was thousands of hate messages including death threats.
“My heart sank because we have a safety protocol for a crisis when kids come in and they’re feeling suicidal or self harming, but I never thought about a gunman,” Seth says. “I’m not going to lie – I’ve cried a few nights because I read messages that came in by the thousands and they accused me (of) grooming children and that I was a child abuser.”
Outloud North Bay immediately implemented new safety measures at the center. North Bay Police are investigating and say they are taking the threats very seriously. In a statement to 705blackfly.com, David Woolley, Corporate Communications Officer for the North Bay Police Service says: The North Bay Police Service is continuing the investigation into a number of offensive and threatening messages received by OutLoud North Bay via social media. As this is an active investigation, we cannot provide additional details at this time. The North Bay Police Service condemns hate and bigotry in all its forms. We are committed to doing our part to build a safe, supportive, and inclusive community for all.
The acts of hate don’t stop there. Police in Wasaga Beach released images of a pickup truck caught on camera defacing the Pride crosswalk on Mosley Street at 39th Street South. The incident happened on August 10th around 8 PM. Police say there have been multiple acts of vandalism to the crosswalk since it was installed last summer. Shortly before the crosswalk’s grand unveiling in July 2021, a mischief charge was laid after a man was caught on camera pouring paint on it.
North Day Pride events will be happening throughout September including Outloud North Bay’s first annual fundraiser, “The Amazing Drag Race” on September 10th. Tickets are available at WWW.OUTLOUDNORTHBAY.COM and proceeds will be used to assist with the group’s operating costs. They are a registered charity. Jason Maclennan, Communications Director for North Bay Pride, told 705blackfly.com they completely support Seth and Outloud North Bay after their harrowing experience.
“Hate is a learned behavior, we do not just hate others. It is usually fueled by ignorance of the unknown, which is a real shame in Canada as we are such a diverse group of communities. What happened with OutLoud North Bay, is disturbing and really does point out the need for things like Pride today. Pride is not just about the queer community, it’s about all communities being treated with dignity and respect. Pride is political and will always be political until everyone is treated equally around the world. Hate only drives pride organizations to do more because we know there is work to be done. Hate Has No Home here. What is good for the queer community is good for everyone, and it’s time some folks learned these facts. We can do better, and we must do better, because we all deserve better.”
Seth says he refuses to allow the incident to make him bitter or afraid and he intends to move Outloud North Bay forward with love and positivity.
“I want people to understand that just because I’m trangendered it doesn’t make any difference in their life. We need to support our kids. They’re coming out early and they need the resources. They need the support to move forward with a happy and healthy life so that’s what we’re here to do.”
For more information or to donate:
WWW.OUTLOUDNORTHBAY.COM
If you have any information about the defacing of the Wasaga Beach Rainbow Crosswalk please contact police or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
