Removal of Pride ribbons sparks anger, dialogue in North Van

A North Vancouver restaurant owner has apologized and made a donation to North Shore Pride after taking down rainbow ribbons that were strung on trees in Lower Lonsdale as part of North Shore Pride celebrations.

Christopher Gehry, owner of the Jagerhof Restaurant, has also since helped to redecorate.

The incident came to light Monday during Pride Week after a couple reported on social media they’d seen the owner of Jagerhof Restaurant removing the rainbow-coloured ribbons that Pride volunteers had strung around trees in the area. When the couple confronted the business owner, saying his actions could be interpreted as homophobic, a verbal altercation ensued.

While the couple declined to speak directly to the North Shore News, one of them said in a social media post that Gehry responded angrily about "forced tribalism."

Since then, Gehry has apologized, saying he wasn’t aware it was Pride Week and meant no offence.

Chris Bolton, one of the organizers of North Shore Pride events, acknowledged that when he first heard about the ribbons being removed he was sad and shocked.

This is the third year that North Shore Pride has put up decorations in the Lower Lonsdale area, he said. “Everyone knows we do it.”

In past years, Bolton said he and other volunteers have personally visited area businesses and put notes through their doors advising them of Pride festivities. This year, volunteers strung the colourful ribbons on a number of trees, tucking in miniature Pride flags and slogans like “Love is love” and “Everyone belongs.”

Bolton said he was surprised and disheartened when he heard the ribbons had been removed. “I’ve sat in his restaurant dozens of times,” he said.

The removal of the ribbons was especially hurtful after a new rainbow crosswalk in Lynn Valley was defaced just last week, he said.

Other members of the LGBTQ community who learned of the incident on social media were more angry, saying they didn't believe Gehry's explanations.

But Bolton said he felt dialogue was the best way forward.

After Gehry posted a public apology on social media, Bolton and other members of the North Shore Pride Alliance met with the restaurant owner and redecorated the trees together.

Gehry also made a "sizable donation" to the North Shore Pride Alliance, said Bolton. “It was a great olive branch.”

Contacted by the North Shore News, Gehry said the incident was a misunderstanding. “I didn’t know it was Pride Week,” he said. “I must admit and apologize. I didn’t realize there was a celebration going on.”

Gehry said he took down the ribbons in an attempt to keep the area “orderly,” unaware they were part of a sanctioned event.

Gehry said he did lose his cool when he was accused of being homophobic. He said his actions weren’t intended as a slight against the LGBTQ community.

Bolton, who concluded his meeting with Gehry Tuesday with a drag performance of Respect as his persona Conni Smudge in front of Jagerhof, said the incident has provided another opportunity for learning.

“I believe you have to build bridges by crossing them,” he said.