Saskatchewan Family Transforms Hate into Art, Inspires Community

URGENT UPDATE: A family in Yorkton, Saskatchewan has turned a hateful act of vandalism into a powerful message of love and inclusivity for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Just hours after discovering homophobic graffiti on their property, the Willems family took decisive action, transforming their garage door into a vibrant piece of art.

On August 11, the Willems family awoke to an ugly sight: their garage and house were spray-painted with slurs targeting the 2SLGBTQ+ community. “My son Ben discovered this first thing in the morning,” said Becky Willems. “He quickly took a picture and sent it to me, and that’s what I woke up to.” The family promptly reported the vandalism to the RCMP, which is currently investigating the incident that occurred between 3 a.m. and 5:30 a.m..

“This felt like an attack on our home,” Willems expressed. Although initially taken aback, her family found support from a neighbor who suggested transforming the hateful message into something positive. “The words are so ugly that it’s hurtful to everybody,” Willems noted.

In a bold act of defiance, the family painted over the graffiti, incorporating a section of it into their new artwork. Bright rainbows, flowers, and the phrase “family of” now adorn their home, sending a clear message of unity. “The idea was to respond to their negativity with positivity,” explained Willems’ son, Sam. “Then it’s honestly the best revenge.”

Today, the Willems home stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. “We are proud of who we are, and we’re proud of the 2SLGBTQ+ people in our family and community,” Willems stated. The family’s artistic response not only healed their wounds but also fostered joy. “It turned into a joyful event for the whole family,” Willems added.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about community support in Yorkton. “I’ve always felt pretty isolated,” Sam reflected. “But so many people reached out, showing they cared and understood me.” This outpouring of support has shifted his perspective on their small-town community.

Yorkton Mayor Aaron Kienle condemned the vandalism, stating, “Vandalism is bad enough on its own, but when it’s tied to hate, it’s completely unacceptable.” He emphasized that the incident is disheartening for all residents and reiterated his commitment to fostering an inclusive environment in Yorkton. Kienle hopes that the Willems family’s actions inspire others to get involved with Yorkton Pride, which had to cancel its parade this year due to a lack of volunteers.

“If you see hate, intolerance, and ignorance, you have a chance to totally turn it around,” Willems concluded. The Willems family’s story is a testament to the strength of community spirit in the face of adversity.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the graffiti incident to contact the Yorkton RCMP at 310-7267. This act of defiance serves as a crucial reminder that love and unity can triumph over hate.