Jordan Peterson is scheduled to speak at Center in the Square in May of this year. In a confusing and somewhat ironic turn of events, Peterson’s talk will be followed by “Queen: It’s A Kinda Magic.” An event that is clearly geared towards a queer audience.
Despite much backlash from the local LGBT+ community, the Centre in the Square has decided to continue with Peterson’s presentation in the name of ‘hearing out all sides.’
“I understand that the past one-and-a-half-years has been tough on you, and any booking is welcomed. But have you really considered this? If so, please remove the rainbow from your picture because it’s performative and nothing more,” Twitter user Nancy Wheeler said.
The Waterloo Region has been a breeding ground for similar circumstances in the past. In 2017, right-wing pundit/alt-right darling Lindsay Sheperd showed her class a video of Peterson opposing the use of gender-neutral pronouns in Canadian society.
Peterson has since become known for his vocal opposition to transgender human rights.
“This figure expounds pseudoscience, hate, bigotry, and misinformation,” Twitter user Michael Clark said.
In the graphic above, the “puppet master” is meant to reflect those who are responsible for the event (Center in the Square).
This highlights the performative aspect of hosting events meant to accommodate members of the LGBTQ+ community, while also providing a platform to someone who openly dehumanizes them.
