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CUPE Ontario is set to mark this day and send an important message about the harms of homophobia. There are numerous ways that homophobia impacts lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and two-spirit people, but the harm done is not just to individuals, but our communities and our union. All people, regardless of their sexual orientation deserve human rights and the right to love.
CUPE Ontario encourages all locals to mark May 17 and commit to take action to combat homophobia. Discrimination is based on ignorance and prejudice; an important way to fight it is to get educated to break down our stereotypes and speak out to break the silence. No one is safe from the hostile and toxic environment caused by homophobia. All people, regardless of their sexual orientation, whether you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersex or a two-spirit person you deserve human rights.
WHY THIS DAY?
May 17 is the official day that the World Health Organisation (WHO) removed homosexuality from being listed as a mental illness and today the date is marked in an effort to call upon all communities to create a prejudice-free world that can ensure inclusion, respect and human rights for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation. Still, today, no less than 78 countries still consider homosexuality illegal and in 7 countries have laws that make same-sex love a punishable act resulting in death.
Equally important to note is that few countries have made an important and vital shift to mark full legal and social equality for those in same-sex relationships.
By marking May 17th our unions, can make a difference to break the isolation and defend human rights for all!
To get involved in combating homophobia in your workplace or community, contact the CUPE Ontario Pink Triangle Committee: visit www.cupe.on.ca/pinktriangle
For more info visit http://www.dayagainsthomophobia.org
