This Friday marks the 20th International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, a day to celebrate how far we have come and to recommit to the fight to end homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.
This past year has been a challenging one for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Over the past 18 months, we have seen a sharp rise in homophobic and transphobic hate. Last September, we saw the largest anti-2SLGBTQIA+ mobilizations in recent memory, and over the past year, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Alberta have all implemented policies targeting queer and trans youth.
Despite this, we have seen incredible acts of resistance – from the community defenders who showed up week after week to protect queer events, to those who made their voices heard at the many protests and counter-protests over the year, to the events of last June where Ottawa parents and neighbours united to stop a transphobic hate march on their schools. Through this all, the Canadian labour movement has stood strong with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and has played an important role in pushing back against this wave of hatred.
At CAPE, we stand with our 2SLGBTQIA+ members and the broader 2SLGBTQIA+ community. That is why we are not merely acknowledging this day – we are taking action.
Rainbow Week of Action
CAPE is proud to endorse the National Rainbow Week of Action, being held from May 11 to 17 across Canada, urging governments and elected officials to stand up for equality and against anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate.
As part of this, we are encouraging members to act, by writing their member of Parliament or participating in rallies or events in support of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights.
For members in the National Capital Region, join the Rainbow Week of Action Rally at 5:30 pm on Friday, May 17 at Confederation Park. Look for the union flags and join CAPE and other unions at the event to show that we as workers will always be there to stand with our 2SLGBTQIA+ siblings.
Check here for similar events happening across Canada.
Equity caucuses
To solidify our commitment to support our 2SLGBTQIA+ members, we are also restructuring our equity, diversity and inclusion committee and are in the process of building equity caucuses, allowing 2SLGBTQIA+ members and members of other equity-deserving groups to self-organize and make their voices heard within CAPE. Stay tuned for more information in the weeks to come!
We have come a long way since the days of the purge and the fruit machine, and we aren’t going back – no matter what the bigots say.
