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Last November, I opened a laptop I had been using for months at CBC, which I left on my desk. I noticed a WhatsApp screen that I was unfamiliar with and opened it.
I was shocked and disappointed to see both a thread of misinformation about the CBC and several homophobic messages including a photo of two men with the words “JUST A COUPLA FAGS.”
As a gay man, I know what it’s like to be marginalized and grew up repeatedly being the subject of regular homophobic slurs and bullying because of my sexual orientation. I was disappointed and hurt by what I found and reported it to my senior manager.
I did not alter the images in any way. I also did not take the laptop from my former colleague’s desk — two factually incorrect details the arbitrator included.
I’m disappointed I was never invited to testify at the arbitration hearing or given an opportunity to present the facts.
As somebody who has dedicated my entire professional career to journalism, I value freedom of expression and appreciate the need for journalists to hold institutions accountable. Having said that, I had very clear professional obligations under CBC’s code of conduct.
My union has since emphasized to me that I could have been disciplined for not bringing that information forward. With this in mind, I am alarmed the Canadian Media Guild has not supported me further.
While I regret the way this situation has played out, I appreciate the support I have received from many colleagues throughout the day and look forward to moving past this unfortunate incident.
