Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing
On May 17th and every day, we fight for justice as a global issue, resisting, supporting and healing together. Gains made in the fight for LGBTQ2+ rights over the past few decades are fragile, and the work towards an inclusive and equitable future continues.
Canada’s labour movement must be at the forefront of the fight to protect the rights of LGBTQ2+ communities. We cannot be strong as a labour movement unless we are strong in all our communities and in ourselves.
Globally, there is an increase in discrimination and violence towards LGTBQ2+ communities. From attempts to ban trans people from playing sports and denying gender-affirming care in the US, to the fight against police brutality and systemic discrimination in Nigeria, to anti-LGBTQ2+government measures in Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania . Just recently, Alireza Fazeli Monfared was brutally murdered in Iran over his sexuality.
COVID-19 continues to expose the many systemic inequities and barriers faced by marginalized populations. Many members of LGBTQ2+ communities are experiencing a reduction in access to healthcare services, increased stigma, discrimination, violence, abuse, isolation and increased unemployment during this crisis. Indigenous, Black, and racialized LGBTQ2+ people, and those with disabilities, have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
Canadians are not immune to homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. Advocacy and education around the rights of trans people remains a contentious issue as trans people continue to face increasing levels of discrimination and violence. Legal battles for access to gender-affirming care for teens and children in Canada remains an issue. The blood donation ban unfairly targets men who have sex with men, gender non-conforming people and transgender people. And despite this, the recent federal budget contained no funding to address issues of inequality for LGBTQ2+ people in Canada.
PSAC continues to fight for LGBTQ2+ rights and we have won some notable victories in recent years. We continue to advocate for more inclusive workplaces by bringing issues affecting LGBTQ2+ workers to the bargaining table, fighting to include HIV prevention medication and gender-affirming health care into extended health plans, advocating for gender inclusive washrooms in workplaces, and more.
May is the first month of PSAC’s ongoing Pride celebrations. Join us in support of LGBTQ2+ justice.
Get involved:
- Hear It! Stop It!: Speak out when you witness homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia
- Learn about what trans inclusion means
- Advocate for gender inclusive washrooms
- Find out more about building inclusive workplaces
- Support the fight against the discriminatory blood donation ban
- Find May 17 events near you
This article has also been posted on the PSAC website.
