the last by-election for the trinity-spadina ward was the first time in awhile that I actually voted. for years I never voted because in awhile because I believed that the system is corrupt, unfair and unjust. I still believe this today. I never voted because I didn't want to participate in democracy. I still don't believe in democracy. I still believe in non-hierarchal and decentralized forms over governance. I recently changed my mind to vote because I realized that voting is a privilege of citizenship. I am not voting because I believe in democracy, I am voting because it is a political act. the fords are racist and homophobic. they would probably be more inclined to cut funding to arts and social services. really, that's all I care about, funding for social services and the art. I don't care if they have to raise taxes to increase funding for this. I am voting for Olivia Chow not because of her overall platform but because she is not homophobic and racist. because of this, I do believe that she would be more inclined to acting in the interest of queers, homeless and low-income people, people of colour, women, disabled people and so on. voting is a privilege. and don't get me twisted, change for social justice and equity doesn't start or stop with voting. it's a daily commitment to changing thoughts and actions. #oliviachow #toronto #YYZ
