Observed on May 17th, this day aims to coordinate events that raise awareness of LGBT rights violations.
This date was chosen to commemorate the decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization in 1990.
“The Declaration of Montreal” created in 2006 and adopted at the 2006 World Out Games, called for the United Nations and all states to recognize May 17 as the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
This declaration highlights a number of rights and freedoms and encompasses all aspects of human rights while aiming to guarantee the fundamental rights required to ensure the prevention of discrimination against the LGBT community.
As of this year, few countries have passed legislation at the federal level that includes full-fledged legal recognition for LGBT members and some countries continue to criminalize the LGBT community, who are vulnerable to state violence and hate crimes.
Homosexuality is still punishable by death in several jurisdictions and in almost all countries transphobic laws limit freedom of expression.
Let us all join together in a world wide celebration of sexual and gender diversities to eliminate Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
Yours in solidarity,
Dave Carr,
PSAC Ontario GLBT Representative