The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia raises awareness of the realities of members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities’ lives to help erase these phobias through understanding. The best way to participate in the commemoration of this day is to be an active ally to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Learn about the lives they lead and the struggles they face in terms of violence and bigotry and work to create a space where they can be heard and be legitimized – at the individual and systemic level.
The concept of an International Day Against Homophobia was conceived in 2004 and the first celebration held on May 17, 2005. May 17th was chosen as the day of recognition to commemorate the decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization in 1990. Transphobia was added in 2009 and Biphobia was added to the campaign in 2015.
Despite progress in the area of 2SLGBTQIA+ recognition and rights many people in these communities in Canada and around the world continue to face fear, misunderstanding, hatred, violence and oppression.
This year’s campaign theme is: “Together always: united in diversity”. We encourage each member of the Faculty of Medicine community to commit to working to advance the rights of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. These are not special rights but basic human rights recognized in law. If we are to stand up for justice for all then these rights must be recognized and supported. We must combat anti-gender movements that deny the humanity of those who challenge traditional roles and stereotypes.
Act in solidarity with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities on May 17th and every day.