I am unaware of the circumstances of Leonard’s death.
But I retain sharp memories of the fellow who, because of his effeminate manner and perceived homosexuality, was treated with much mockery and abuse by many in the High School mainstream.
We all have our dark side, our moments of sadism, and I certainly am not immune from evil inclinations; but I felt nothing but sadness for this young guy who was taunted mercilessly and, upon reflection, feel a profound shame in my own silence as a witness to his incessant vilification—and my only excuse revolved around my own timidity, back in those days, in the face of potential physical retaliation and ostracism. It took me many years thereafter to develop cojones to the point where nobody and nothing intimidates me...not billionaires, not corporate titans, NOBODY.... especially when it comes to protection of weaker souls who are targets for abuse.
Ironically, if Leonard had been birthed several decades later...if Leonard had been able to live in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, Montreal, etc., instead of Calgary...not only would he have been protected by various laws designed to preclude such discrimination and bullying based upon sexual proclivity....but he might have found himself to be as accepted as Chris Colter, (“Glee”), and at the very least, a member of the popular vogue today in which metrosexuality, bisexuality, and homosexuality are featured favorably in mainstream media, everything from highly rated TV series to stage hits.
In my own case, working in music, film, and other arts over the years, I’ve been associated with many members of alternative lifestyles, who often have talents that vastly outshine the norm. I chose to perform a duet with a black she-male (Simone Simmons) on two of my songs, “Dancing With Mr. Daddy,” and, “My Vegas Pussy,” because she/he has a unique voice in its compelling melange of female/male characteristics, something of a cross between Patti LaBelle and Trent D’Arby
Sadly, in High Schools today, the dismal status quo prevails: those who deviate considerably from “the norm,” face the slings and arrows of vilification and ostracism; but there is a “new norm” today, and Leonard would have fared so much better....yet another example of somebody born ahead of his time.
Its seems that I don't remember most people on this site, sad to say, but I do remember Leonard. My best friend Lori Derrington and I hung out a bit with him at Mount Royal Jr High so I knew him enough to not be surprised to find out he was gay. I didn't realize that he was bullied so much back then because of it, but it doesn't surprise me given the times. I do remember that he would put on a very brave face in Jr High and didn't show that things bothered him. He was different and very comfortable with this. He was one person I would have liked to see again.
I remember an awkward Leonard at MRJH. I guess I was young and naive, not understanding anything about alternate life styled and sexuality, nor trying to understand someone who was different. I do remember he would scratch his arms unlit they bled. Self mutilating was also foreign ground. I hope once he got out of what was likely a toxic world for him at school, he found some joy in life. It was a different world, more judgemental than now I believe, or hope.
Elizabeth, I remember you as a tall girl with lovely auburn hair. I've gotta dig out my yearbooks.
I remember you too Sue. In grade 7 you had a sweater that I thought was to "die for" so I bought one too. It was very stylish back then and you always dressed well.Good to hear from you.
Ah, what a nice comment about my sweater Elizabeth but I'll let you in on a little secret 45 years after the fact. I have an older sister, and we'd share clothes, hence double the wardrobe.
David Cohen
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I am unaware of the circumstances of Leonard’s death.
But I retain sharp memories of the fellow who, because of his effeminate manner and perceived homosexuality, was treated with much mockery and abuse by many in the High School mainstream.
We all have our dark side, our moments of sadism, and I certainly am not immune from evil inclinations; but I felt nothing but sadness for this young guy who was taunted mercilessly and, upon reflection, feel a profound shame in my own silence as a witness to his incessant vilification—and my only excuse revolved around my own timidity, back in those days, in the face of potential physical retaliation and ostracism. It took me many years thereafter to develop cojones to the point where nobody and nothing intimidates me...not billionaires, not corporate titans, NOBODY.... especially when it comes to protection of weaker souls who are targets for abuse.
Ironically, if Leonard had been birthed several decades later...if Leonard had been able to live in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, Montreal, etc., instead of Calgary...not only would he have been protected by various laws designed to preclude such discrimination and bullying based upon sexual proclivity....but he might have found himself to be as accepted as Chris Colter, (“Glee”), and at the very least, a member of the popular vogue today in which metrosexuality, bisexuality, and homosexuality are featured favorably in mainstream media, everything from highly rated TV series to stage hits.
In my own case, working in music, film, and other arts over the years, I’ve been associated with many members of alternative lifestyles, who often have talents that vastly outshine the norm. I chose to perform a duet with a black she-male (Simone Simmons) on two of my songs, “Dancing With Mr. Daddy,” and, “My Vegas Pussy,” because she/he has a unique voice in its compelling melange of female/male characteristics, something of a cross between Patti LaBelle and Trent D’Arby
Sadly, in High Schools today, the dismal status quo prevails: those who deviate considerably from “the norm,” face the slings and arrows of vilification and ostracism; but there is a “new norm” today, and Leonard would have fared so much better....yet another example of somebody born ahead of his time.
Elizabeth Brown (Vickers)
Its seems that I don't remember most people on this site, sad to say, but I do remember Leonard. My best friend Lori Derrington and I hung out a bit with him at Mount Royal Jr High so I knew him enough to not be surprised to find out he was gay. I didn't realize that he was bullied so much back then because of it, but it doesn't surprise me given the times. I do remember that he would put on a very brave face in Jr High and didn't show that things bothered him. He was different and very comfortable with this. He was one person I would have liked to see again.
So very sad to hear that he has passed now.
Susan (Sue) Steele (Browning)
I remember an awkward Leonard at MRJH. I guess I was young and naive, not understanding anything about alternate life styled and sexuality, nor trying to understand someone who was different. I do remember he would scratch his arms unlit they bled. Self mutilating was also foreign ground. I hope once he got out of what was likely a toxic world for him at school, he found some joy in life. It was a different world, more judgemental than now I believe, or hope.
Elizabeth, I remember you as a tall girl with lovely auburn hair. I've gotta dig out my yearbooks.
Sue
Elizabeth Brown (Vickers)
I remember you too Sue. In grade 7 you had a sweater that I thought was to "die for" so I bought one too. It was very stylish back then and you always dressed well.Good to hear from you.
Susan (Sue) Steele (Browning)
Ah, what a nice comment about my sweater Elizabeth but I'll let you in on a little secret 45 years after the fact. I have an older sister, and we'd share clothes, hence double the wardrobe.
S.