Statement by CUPE Ontario’s Pink Triangle committee on the Day of Pink:
Today is the Day of Pink – an international commemoration reminding us about the need for solidarity with LGBTQ2+ people.
This year it’s a particularly important issue, as COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted equity-seeking seeking people, including the LGBTQ2+ community.
For instance, recent research shows that about one-third of trans and non-binary people across Canada have unmet mental health care needs during the pandemic and about 10% have faced discrimination when accessing healthcare for COVID-19. Barriers to other services have also heightened for the community during this period.
Even before the pandemic, LGBTQI2S+ people faced higher levels of violence and harassment than other people, especially when racialized. Members of the community also face discrimination in accessing housing and employment.
The state of affairs cannot continue if we want to live in a just society. We must fight against hatred and dismantle systems of oppression across our communities.
On this Day of Pink, we at CUPE Ontario reaffirm our commitment to fight for the LGBTQ2+ community, and for justice and acceptance for everyone.
About Pink Triangle Committee
CUPE Ontario’s Pink Triangle Committee works to create safer, fairer workplaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirited, intersex and queer-identified union members.
Through political action and key events, we advocate for harassment-free workplaces and communities.
Pink Triangle Committee members are volunteers elected for a two-year term at the biennial CUPE Ontario Human Rights Conference and represent all sectors and regions within CUPE Ontario.
