Liam Finnegan has been called brave a lot in the past few months, but the words don’t seem to sink in.
Speaking out about his school’s policy on homosexuality is something he just… needs to do. It comes as naturally to him as playing with barbies did when he was a kid. So does stading up in front of a crowd of strangers and telling his story. On Thursday night Liam charmed the crowd with his passion; with his deeply reflective words and one-liners that had the audience cracking up. It was his first time speaking in public and he nailed it.
“I always knew I was gay. I knew I was gay before I knew what gay was. I used to play with barbies. I used to dress up with my aunts,”Liam told the crowd. “I first told my dad I was bisexual. Then when I was twelve I said, actually I’m gay. And my dad just said, I know.”
Liam was one of two speakers at BYTE’s second ConneX event Thursday night, a speaker series where youth leaders from across the territory share their inspiring stories. You’ve probably read about this 16-year-old in the news lately. He spoke to CBC North against Vanier Catholic School’s policy on homosexuality. It was posted to the school’s website in October and described homesexuality as, among many things, “morally evil” and a “grave disorder”. A flood of media followed, and much of Whitehorse stood behind Liam in support. Soon after the Yukon Government announced Vanier has to drop the policy.
This still doesn’t solve the problem of starting a gay-straight alliance; Liam doesn’t have support from the school. The 16-year-old emphasized beyond the school’s policy and what the bishop has said recently, his biggest frustration is not being able to create a safe community for all students like a gay-straight alliance. It’ll be a battle, but if anyone has the gumption to do it, it’s Liam Finnegan.
Stephanie Dixon shocked the crowd with her life story so far. Stephanie – the other speaker at Thursday’s event – was born with only one leg. It’s thanks to her parents, she said, that she’s experienced such success as a paralympic swimmer. When she was a baby they didn’t pick her up and carry her, even though it would be a whole lot faster than watching her crawl with one leg. They treated as if she didn’t have a disability. Stephanie is one of Canada’s most decorated paralympians, and she’s even broke world records. But it’s her down to earth personality and generosity that shines.
After Stephanie’s talk one audience member asked if she could teach him how to swim. He had never learned how. Stephanie, who is about to retire from coaching the Whitehorse swim team, smiled and quickly agreed. She’s about to embark on an whirlwind journey as the ambassador for the Canadian paralympic swim team as the 2014 games in Russia approach. It’s clear, though, her commitment to community is as strong as ever. We’re excited to watch Stephanie and Liam as they continue to lead and inspire.
Thanks to all who came out to Baked last night, and be sure to stay tuned for the next BYTE ConnEX event.
