The co-chair of St. John’s Pride says one of the most important things allies can do is to shut down homophobic or transphobic conversations when they happen.

Eddy St. Coeur was remarking on cabinet minister Chris Tibbs’ “pathetic weakling” response to comments directed towards him against the gay community.

Tibbs, an outspoke advocate for the LGBTQS+ community, has a son who came out in grade 9.

St. Coeur, who used to work for the NDP in the House of Assembly, says he remembers well Tibbs’ pride in the creative work of his son.

He recalled Tibbs proudly showing colleagues video of his son performing a “beautiful” dance routine.

St. Coeur told the Tim Powers Show it’s important not to lose sight of the real issue behind Tibbs’ reaction – it’s to remember to shut down hate whenever it’s heard or experienced.

“These homophobic comments, these transphobic comments happen most often in the rooms where we are not. Queer people aren’t in those rooms because people feel safer around their buddies; they’re up in the shed…they’re at the cabin and they feel comfortable to run with these hateful comments.”

“And what we say to allies in the room is, if you are in those rooms and we’re not there, we need you to step in, and we need you to shut those things down.”