Observed on May 17th, this day is observed so that we may raise awareness of continuing LGBTQ rights violations, and commemorates 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, called for the United Nations and all states to recognize May 17 as the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
“The Declaration of Montreal”, created in 2006, called upon the United Nations, and all states, to recognize this day. It highlights a number of rights and freedoms and encompasses all aspects of human rights while aiming to ensure the prevention of discrimination against the LGBTQ community.
There are a number of countries that have not, to date, passed legislation guaranteeing full-fledged legal recognition of its LGBTQ members, some of which still continue to criminalize the LGBTQ community, in some cases leading to state condoned violence and execution.
We must continue to stand up against such intolerance which severely limits the rights of members to express themselves in a manner other than is culturally expected and as determined by the sex assigned to them at birth.
This day highlights a human being’s expectation that they are free to celebrate their unique sexual and gender diversity without fear.
Yours in solidarity,
Dave Carr,
PSAC Ontario Council - GLBT Representative