Happy International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. Today we celebrate the vibrant spectrum of sexual and gender diversities that exist in all of us. Whether you’re LGBTQIA+ or an affirming ally — today is the perfect excuse to celebrate, show up for your community, and keep pushing for a brighter and bolder future. We won’t stop until it’s safe for everyone to be authentic.
This day was first celebrated 21 years ago, in honour of the day when the World Health Organization (WHO) removed Homosexuality from their list of mental disorders. This moment was a huge milestone in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and we’ve reached a point where it feels absurd that it was ever classified as a disorder.
This is living proof of how far we’ve come, but there is still work to do. LGBTQIA+ people still face discrimination in every area of their lives from work to healthcare and social stigma. With the recent rise in Anti-Trans legislation it’s more important than ever to stand in solidarity and fight for a better future. This doesn’t affect everyone equally — community members who are Trans, Gender-Diverse, People of Colour, or Disabled face the most discrimination and violence. It’s essential to amplify the most marginalized voices in the LGBTQIA+ community.
This year’s theme is the Power of Communities. We are stronger with our connections to one another and the safe spaces we can build together. Communities are lifelines that offer affirming connections, mutual support, and care. The family you are born into doesn’t always offer the unconditional love and acceptance they should, but community is here to save the day with the power of a found family. It’s a space for LGBTQIA+ people to heal together, build resistance, and nurture joy.
LGBTQIA+ progress happens on a larger scale and micro level. Fighting back against widespread discrimination and hateful laws is important, but equally meaningful are the everyday actions we take in our communities. Progress can look like being a safe person to come out to or using somebody's correct pronouns (even if you mess up at first). It may not come easily to everyone because we all have different upbringings and biases, but what matters is that we’re trying. The work of celebrating the diversity of our communities is worth it.
Go out there and live proudly while encouraging others to do the same. We’ve earned it.
