The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, held annually on May 17.
The purpose of this day is to bring awareness to the violence, discrimination, and repression experienced by LGBTQ people worldwide. Its ultimate goal is to achieve inclusion for all members of our society, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
May 17 commemorates the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. First recognized in 2004, International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobiais now marked in more than 130 countries as a means to share awareness about sexual and gender diversities.
This year’s theme – Alliances for Solidarity – reminds us of the potential to effect change when we work together, and recognizes the efforts of all social justice movements to bring about change.
Today is a day of action to engage in a public conversation about sexual and gender diversity and expression, uniting us in support of human rights for all.
Let us each make a commitment to stand for equality, inclusion and respect for all.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.