After reading one of his novels in class was the subject of a complaint from a homophobic parent, author Simon Boulerice received an outpouring of support from members of the public and well-known figures such as Mélanie Maynard, Matt Duff and Marie-Ève Janvier, Patricia Paquin and Jessica Barker .
“I am stunned and incredibly sad,” wrote Simon Boulerice on his Instagram post, which has received almost 5,000 likes and more than 560 comments since last Saturday.
Simon Boulerice published a letter from a teacher who included the novel The Last to Come from the Light in his curriculum. The outraged father refuses to let his child read a book about a family with two fathers.
In this letter, a father writes: “Since the theme of the novel is completely contrary to my principles and beliefs, I inform you that X will not read this book,” and further adds: “…I think that Your role is to help.” The students are proficient in the French language and do not try to indoctrinate them with LGBT propaganda or an ideological point of view that has no place in an educational institution.
Several stars wanted to respond. Moderator Mélanie Maynard’s comment “Poor child who has to wear blinders that don’t belong to him” received 228 likes.
“To a parent who complains: How many children (and parents) are there who quietly have a brighter vision of humanity thanks to your writings? Carry on, Simon,” wrote author Martin Michaud.
Comedian Vincent Bolduc shared his incomprehension: “Except for me. There is still a lot to do to open the mind.” “I’m speechless!” added host Patricia Paquin. Jessica Barker was supported by 247 people who said: “Amazing. One idea: Parents, we buy the book in bulk and offer it to our children.”
The 41-year-old author, who has published 67 books across all genres, has also received messages from several teachers saying they were proud that his novels were being read in their class. Parents of students touched by his works also testified.
“I am convinced that this can save lives”
In an interview with Le Journal, Simon Boulerice initially said he was surprised by this “controversy,” since he describes this novel as one of the most delicate and luminous in his bibliography.
“It makes me very sad. My heart immediately goes out to the child and the teacher. I would say to the child: “Don’t doubt what your teacher has prepared for you.” I hope that this does not contaminate his view of his teacher and that he does not lose the relationship of trust with his teacher. “I only wish him love and that these jobs that his father forbids him to do lie elsewhere on his path,” he said, visibly upset.
Although he is comforted by the loving comments of his subscribers, the author admits that he had to deal with 5% of hateful and homophobic messages privately. Some teachers also told him that they had to fight for his books to be read in their class (students at the end of primary and secondary school).
“It says something about our times; How much the professor has to live with the justifications for everything that is the backlash of hatred. “I am convinced that offering the children diversity and showing them other ways of life can save lives,” says the person who sees this father’s reaction as censorship.
“It makes me realize that I still have work to do and makes me want to embrace LGBTQ+ letters even more,” he adds.