PSAC proudly joins our members across the country in celebrating Pride this summer. While we may not be able to march together this year, the fierce spirit of Pride lives on in virtual events hosted coast to coast to coast celebrating the resiliency and perseverance of LGBTQ2+ communities. Pride is not only a vibrant and vocal way to recognize the achievements of LGBTQ2+ people, but it is also a rallying cry to end discrimination, homophobia, transphobia and biphobia.
LGBTQ2+ communities have been hit hard by the pandemic. They experienced more layoffs and job losses than the national average, and LGBTQ2+ Black, Indigenous and racialized people were twice as likely to report a significant negative impact on their mental health and two times more likely to know someone who has died of COVID-19.
This disproportionate impact and the ongoing discrimination against members of the LGBTQ2+ community is why PSAC continues to fight for LGBTQ2+ inclusion practices in federal workplaces and are advocating for safer, trans-inclusive workplaces. We’re also holding the government accountable to include the LGBTQ2+ communities in their review of the Employment Equity Act and to collect more meaningful census data to protect them under the Act, particularly after the LGBT Purge.
Across Canada, PSAC supports legislation banning LGBTQ2+ conversion therapy and continues to demand that the Liberal government eliminate the blood ban for gay men and trans women – an unscientific and discriminatory policy Trudeau’s government has promised to change.
PSAC stands with Canada’s proud LGBTQ2+ communities and calls on governments and employers to combat all forms of discrimination, violence and oppression against LGBTQ2+ people.
This Pride, let’s come together virtually to celebrate, resist and fight for a better tomorrow.
Contact your regional office to find out more about PSAC’s human rights committees and how you can get involved.
Download our digital Pride materials
- Printable Pride flags:
- Pride video background
- Pride social media frame
This article has also been posted on the PSAC website.
