International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
May 17, 2011
May 17 was chosen as the International Day Against
Homophobia and Transphobia because homosexuality was removed from the
International Classification of Diseases of the World Health
Organization (WHO) on May 17, 1992. Prior to that date, homosexuality
was considered a mental illness. This put an end to over a century of
homophobia in the medical field.
OPSEU stands in solidarity with the Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersexed, Queer, Questioning and
Two-Spirited (LGBTTIQQ2S) community in the struggle to end homophobia
and transphobia.
This year has been witness to many victories for the
LGBTTIQQ2S community and its allies:
-
Bill C-389, which would amend the Canada Human
Rights Act and the Criminal Code to include gender identity and
gender expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination, passed
third reading in the House of Commons
-
Thunder Bay, Ontario will host its first Pride
celebrations during the week of June 6-12, 2011.
Nevertheless, we still have many challenges.
Bill C-389 had not been heard in the Senate before the
federal election was called, so will again need to make its way through
the next Parliament to become law.
Despite the work that has been done to eliminate
homophobia and transphobia, crimes and hatred against the LGBTTIQQ2S
community still exist. In 2010, over 76 countries around the world have
deemed relationships by same sex couples as illegal and in some areas
being a member of the LGBTTIQQ2S community is still punishable by death.
May 17 is also a day to reach out to those who are
particularly vulnerable to homophobic and transphobic bullying. OPSEU
recognizes the dedicated teachers and students who fight these
injustices everyday by forming Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs) that teach
anti-bullying and promote acceptance of all gender identities in the
school. LGBTTIQQ2S students still face extreme cases of bullying which
lead to dropping out of school, social isolation and, tragically, death
and suicide.
OPSEU is proud of its part in fighting for equality for
our LGBTTIQQ2S members – in the workplace and in the broader community.
OPSEU will continue to work with its allies to mobilize and fight to end
homophobia and transphobia. OPSEU will continue in its leadership role
by actions to challenge and eliminate all forms of discrimination.
