RED DEER QUEER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION RESPONDS TO MONIQUE LAGRANGE’S NAZI PROPAGANDA COMPARISON

Earlier today, an Instagram story posted by Catholic School Trustee Monique Lagrange drew attention due to its troubling comparison between the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and the Nazi Party of Germany.

Monique LaGrange's Instagram Story from approx. 23-24 hrs ago

Now no longer viewable due to the temporary nature of Instagram stories, the post from Monique LaGrange depicts two photos. The top black and white photo shows children waving Nazi swastika flags. The bottom colour photo is of a group of children waving hand-coloured progressive pride flags. The caption reads, "Brainwashing is brainwashing."

It's disappointing to see Ms. LaGrange resort to lazy tactics to appeal to conservative-minded folks like her. Comparisons like this are not only unproductive but also disrespectful to a community of people who have been historically and are currently targeted by the very fascists she so openly compares us to.

However, it's heartening to know that despite Ms. LaGrange’s lamentably ill-directed opinion, many Albertans value diversity and embrace everyone, regardless of their orientation or presentation. This strengthens our communities, and we at the Red Deer Queer Community Association have witnessed this firsthand. Not everyone may share this sentiment, but the fact is that inclusivity and love for all are crucial for building a better world.

The Red Deer Queer Community Association acknowledges that Ms. LaGrange's Instagram story was intended to incite hatred and conflict between individuals with opposing political beliefs. We know that such tactics are often employed to divert attention from important issues.

The Red Deer Queer Community Association wants to assure the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both within and outside of Red Deer, that we will always stand by their side. Any hostile actions will not deter us from individuals with far more experience manipulating young minds than we do.