Lesbians are 'hot,' says controversial pro-oilsands Facebook post

A gay MtisAlbertanis getting attention for a pro-oilsands ad he posted on Facebook that says lesbians are "hot"and questions why Canada buys oil from countries "that butcher gays and lesbians."

Robbie Picard said the post is meant to highlight and spark conversation about the poor treatment of LGBTQ people in energy-rich countries.

"My question to the rest of Canada, particularly Ontario and Quebec: Why are we getting our oil from Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, places that if you're gay, they will chop off your head?" said Picard,who lives in Fort McMurray, Alta., and used to workat Suncor.

The post went up Sunday night on the Canada Oilsands Community Facebook page, which Picardsaid is a personal project andnot directly affiliated with any officialpro-oilsandsorganizations.

It has already received plenty of backlash.

"Congratsyou've managed to be racist, sexist AND homophobic all at once!" wrotePeterMcCartneyon the page.

Post meant to be divisive

Picardisn't troubled by the backlash.

"If this draws attention that we are getting fuel from countries that butcher gays and lesbians I mean, butcher them, hang them, publicly beat them then I'm OK to take a few shots if that means it draws attention to the bigger issue."

While the past president of Calgary Pride saysthis is an issue that deserves tobetakenseriously, she feelsPicard's postpoorlyexecuted themessage.

"It's obviously targeted towards aheterosexual male demographic," said Dallas Barnes, who is now theco-vice-presidentof InterPride.

"Sure, some girls do look like that, but it'sdemeaning.It sexualizes."

She says "it's absolutely everything we are trying so hardnot to be."

But Picard doesn't think so.

"I will go on the record saying all lesbians are hot, and I think that people in Canada really need to understand Canadian oil is the best choice. It's the best choice when it comes to the environment. It's the best choice when it comes to equality," hesaid.

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