As your Director for GLBT members on the PSAC-Atlantic Regional Council, I will soon be joining many PSAC members across Canada and people around the world to recognize the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
On May 17, 1990, the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization approved the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) which no longer listed homosexuality as a diagnosis.
Then in 2004, the International Day against Homophobia was launched commemorating May 17 as the Day to advocate for sensible public policy regarding GLBT people. This day is used widely as an international opportunity for individuals, groups and organizations to do anything they wish to mark this important date.
There are over 120 countries that celebrate May 17 and draw attention to political leaders to the violence and discrimination that GLBT people face on a daily basis.
The atrocities happening around the world against the GLBT community is horrendous. There are GLBT people being victimized in the United States and Canada more so since the election of Trump. The Trans community seems to be hit the worse.
In some countries, member of the GLBT community are prosecuted, thrown in jail and even killed based on their sexual orientation.
I would like to take this time to celebrate our diversity and to defend GLBT rights as human rights. We should never stop the fight for a safer place to live in this world.
In solidarity,
Wayne Kelley
Director for GLBT members, PSAC-Atlantic
Jeannie Baldwin
Regional Executive Vice-President
Updates
Featured on homepage:0