REVP Letter: National Day Against Homophobia

Each year on May 17, across Canada and around the world, we recognize the International Day Against Homophobia –– a day for all of us to stand together with our LGBT Brothers and Sisters to demand respect and engage in a dialogue about the importance of tolerance and compassion.

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Each year on May 17, across Canada and around the world, we recognize the International Day Against Homophobia –– a day for all of us to stand together with our LGBT Brothers and Sisters to demand respect and engage in a dialogue about the importance of tolerance and compassion.

It’s unfortunate, but we still live in a world where homophobia and transphobia is very real. Because of it, people have difficulty accepting and living a sexual orientation that is different from the majority. The suicide rate among young gays is much higher than with their heterosexual peers, a great number of gays and lesbians live in secret and in fear of rejection, and transgendered and transsexual persons still live on the fringe of society.

We’ve seen recent examples of this with the tragic influx of teen suicides last fall due to homophobic bullying. We also fought for Bill-C389 this winter to ensure the protection of transgender people from discrimination and will continue to pressure our new government to resurrect this legislation in the name of equality for all.

Your Locals will soon receive posters and brochures, please share these materials within your workplace. For more information on the campaign visit www.homophobiaday.org.

In Solidarity,

Robyn Benson
Regional Executive Vice-President
Public Service Alliance of Canada, Prairies