Every year, the YMCA hosts Peace Week across the country, and in each community where the organization is located, someone is honoured with a peace medal.
That award was handed out Friday morning in Sault Ste. Marie to Teddy Syrette.
He's being recognized for his advocacy work in the LGBTQ and Indigenous communities.
"It puts a precedence too of like why we're here, why I’m here to receive this award, and what the message is to be more inclusive, to be more open minded, to keep other people in mind when we're working with folks who may be LGBTQ or two-spirit, or Indigenous or First Nation." said Syrette.
The medal winner says he told his family he was gay at a young age and they accepted him for who he is.
"It was really important for all of us, because when I was growing up, well we had that, but we never said we loved each other. But every night before we go to bed, we say we love each other. And I see he still does that." said Teddy’s mother Beverly.
The latest peace medal recipient says love plays a big role in what he does. Adding his work is about creating dialogue to allow people to better understand one another.
He points to the creation of the Sault Pride Festival as a shining example.
"It's really great to see that kind of acknowledgement. When I have messages on Facebook or Twitter, people who are former Saultites, it's great that's happening, because I didn't think there would ever be a pride festival, and now there is. It's creating that dialogue. That's why it's so important to be in those marches and to really have other people question on their own place in the community and as well as the placement of other people." said Syrette.
He now lives in Toronto, where he continues to advocate for the LGBTQ and Indigenous communities.
