Children, Seniors and Social Development
May 17, 2017

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development:

Minister Gambin-Walsh Highlights International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, held annually on May 17. This day represents the largest LGBTIQ solidarity event to take place across the globe, with more than 1,000 events taking place in over 120 countries around the world.

With a focus this year on families, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia draws attention to the lack of inclusion and often violent acts still experienced by LGBTIQ people. It was first celebrated in 2004 to elicit the attention of policymakers, opinion leaders, social movements, general public and the media to the discrimination and violence still experienced by the LGBTIQ community internationally. It places a much needed focus on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people, and all those who do not conform to majority sexual and gender norms, and the hardships they often encounter.

Mr. Speaker, while the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is one day of the year when we draw attention to this important topic, eliminating discrimination of any type needs to be our focus every day of the year. We all have a right to be respected and treated equally, and to be active participants in an inclusive society. We know that achieving full inclusion requires a new way of thinking. Let’s continue to put that thinking at the forefront of all we do right here in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.

2017 05 17                              2:30 p.m.