Toronto’s RigthsCon will take place on May 16-18.

This year’s program, built by our global community, is our most ambitious one yet. Within the program, you will find 18 thematic tracks to help you navigate our 450+ sessions. It will include an event On OHCHR’s Business Standards titled “Promoting LGBTI security and inclusion in the digital world: aligning policies and practices with the UN United Nations Human Rights​’s Global LGBTI Corporate Standards”.

Draft program can be accessed HERE

Annual flag raising ceremony on 17th at 12pm at City Hall: more info HERE

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RSVP

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Quebec

Quebec has a long tradition celebrating IDAHOTB thanks to the province’s Fondation Emergence.

This year again there will be dozens of events around the Province focusing on LGBT rights internationally.

All information and reports are HERE in French and HERE in English

Other events in the Province include

AMOUR / LOVE by Wartin Pantois Collage on walls, St-Jean-Baptiste district, Quebec, Canada, 2018 Around the world, LGBT + people still have to struggle to live and show their love. Let’s promote the “right to love” for all. Let’s expose to the world the beauty of love in its diversity. You can see pictures here: http://wartinpantois.blogspot.ca/

London

The local PFLAG London chapter invites you to their annual evening of celebration and acceptance on May 17th at the Aeolian Hall. This event will bring guests together to celebrate together as a London community and commit to working together to continue addressing homophobia, transphobia and biphobia.

The celebration will include live performances from local LGBT2Q+ artists and our allies. This event is family friendly and free for everyone to attend.

More info HERE

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Vancouver

Commemorate International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia with a compelling exploration of oppression and resilience. Author Peter Gajdics discusses and reads from his memoir, The Inheritance of Shame, which recounts his experiences in conversion therapy to “cure” his homosexuality. Afterward, trans activist Morgane Oger converses with Peter about the prevailing themes in his writing.

In partnership with the Morgane Oger Foundation. More info HERE

Announced: IDAHOTB event at The Junction bar on 19th of May organized by Rainbow Refugee

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Kingston, Ontario

Markus ‘Star’ Harwood-Jones is a queer and trans scholar with nearly a decade of public speaking experience and specializes in hosting workshops on anti-oppression and support for LGBTQ+ populations. Learn more at www.starkisscreations.com

This event is to commemorate International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia and is brought to you by the United Steelworkers Local 2010 Human Rights Committee.

Event’s Website or Blog:  https://usw2010.ca/events/
Event’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/596670457352886/

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Flag Raising

Many flag raising events are organised throughout the country, sometimes amid controversy in schools, as progressive and conservative parents clash on whether this celebration is appropriate.

On May 17, IRQO website’s editor-in-chief, Vafa Mehrayeen, wrote in his article “Internal Homophobia Emerging Out of Social Structures”, how Internal Homophobia hurts the LGBT from within the community. Read more

The new laws mean that transgender Canadians will now benefit from a greater range of legal protections and rights. The legal reforms come after efforts from within the Trudeau government, spurned by their commitment to LGBT equality which was promised following their election.

As longstanding supporters of IDAHOT, the Canadian LGBTI community have always been incredible at mobilising their support for May 17. This year the number of events across the country made Canada one of the world centers for IDAHOT activity.

In Quebec, Fondation Émergence focused its 2016 campaign on the realities of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender seniors.

In British Colombia, Kamloops Pride held a special day of story telling to promote solidarity and pride among the local LGBTI community. The event featured stories and performances from members of the LGBTI in a local safe-space venue and was followed by a candlelight march to city hall.

In Richmond, BC, local activists organised the third annual IDAHOT celebration at Richmond Cultural Centre.

In Toronto, the Asian Community AIDS Service hosted their annual Pink Dot event. The event was a celebration of the LGBTQ Asian community and featured a march through Chinatown as well as performances and talks focused on the experiences of LGBTQ Asians and Canadian-Asians.

Also in Toronto, PSAC Pride marked IDAHOT 2016 with their positive space lunch and learn. The event invited the community to join for an open discussion on workplace discrimination and similar issues facing the LGBT community. There was also a celebration organised by the local Opening Doors Project.

In Vancouver LGBTI group Qmunity held its 12th annual IDAHOT breakfast, which featured a talk and presentation on the subject of homosexuality and coming out.

In Hamilton, Ontario, local LGBTQ activists hosted a night that focused on the experiences of young LGBTQ Canadians. The event included a youth presentation, documentary screening and an open-mic and arts show, all in order to raise awareness of the issues facing LGBTQ youth.

In Barrie, Ontario, Fierté Simcoe Pride hosted a special Dinner and Drag show to mark IDAHOT 2016. The event featured local performers and will also see the announcement of details for the group’s upcoming 2016 pride.

“VICE News has learned that Canada will finally push through legal protections for its transgender minority on Tuesday, after more than a decade of debate on the matter.

The change would grant federal protections to prevent eviction, discrimination, and violence against transgender and non-gender binary Canadians.

Asked directly about the changes, a spokesperson for Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould told VICE News that Tuesday — May 17, International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia — would be “a very big day.”

Michael Davis, director of communications for the minister, remained largely evasive about exactly what would be announced on next week, but pointed to the mandate letter for Minister Wilson-Raybould, which commits her to “introduce government legislation to add gender identity as a prohibited ground for discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act” and to add it as an “identifiable group” that is protected from hate speech in the Criminal Code, which could also give direction to the courts on recognizing violence based on an individual’s gender identity as a hate crime for the purposes of sentencing.”

More on VICE website

In British Colombia, Kamloops Pride will host a special day of story telling to promote solidarity and pride among the local LGBTI community. The event will feature stories and performances from members of the LGBTI in a local safe-space venue and will be followed by a candlelight march to city hall.

In Richmond, BC, local activists have organised the third annual IDAHOT celebration at Richmond Cultural Centre. (For more information please email dwilson@richmond.ca)

In Toronto the Asian Community AIDS Service will host their annual Pink Dot event. The event will be a celebration of the LGBTQ Asian community and will feature a march through Chinatown as well as performances and talks focused on the experiences of LGBTQ Asians and Canadian-Asians.

Also in Toronto, PSAC Pride will mark IDAHOT 2016 with their positive space lunch and learn. The event invites the community to join for an open discussion on workplace discrimination and similar issues facing the LGBT community.

There will also be a celebration organised by the local Opening Doors Project. 

In Vancouver LGBTI group Qmunity will host its 12^th annual IDAHOT breakfast, which will feature a talk and presentation on the subject of homosexuality and coming out.

In Oromocto, New Brunswick, the ‘Run For Your Life’ marathon event will be held in support of local LGBT charities.

In Hamilton, Ontario, local LGBTQ activists will host a night that focuses on the experiences of young LGBTQ Canadians. The event will include a youth presentation, documentary screening and an open-mic and arts show, all in order to raise awareness of the issues facing LGBTQ youth.

In Barrie, Ontario, Fierté Simcoe Pride will host a special Dinner and Drag show to mark IDAHOT 2016. The event will feature local performers and will also see the announcement of details for the group’s upcoming 2016 pride.

In Quebec, Fondation Émergence will focus its 2016 campaign on the realities of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender seniors.

For further updates please stay tuned for our 2016 annual report

In British Columbia LGBTI youth group Out In Schools ran their regular Rise Against Homophobia film competition, in which young people ages 12 to 19 were invited to create and share short films tackling the subjects of homophobia, transphobia and bullying.

In Quebec the Fondation Emergence this year worked with several partner organisations to encourage allies of every background to ‘show their colours’ in support of LGBT Canadians. During the campaign individuals from all backgrounds worse special colourful outfits and also shared messages of support with the LGBTI community.

In Toronto the Canadian-Asian LGBT group PinkDot Toronto helped to bring together people from various LGBTI and Asian backgrounds. Their celebrations for the day featured a pride march and outdoor event that included street food, activities and a unique celebration of the Asian culture. The event aimed to tackle issues faced by Canadian-Asian LGBTI individuals and was held in the city’s Chinatown District.

The event was also in solidarity of Pink Dot’s broader work, promoting the advancement of LGBT groups within Asia.

Also in Toronto city mayor John Tory alongside local authorities and activists marked the day by raising the rainbow flag above City Hall at a special event organised by the Canadian branch of PFLAG.

Many local events marked the Day throughout the country: In Vancouver for example activists gathered for the annual IDAHOT breakfast, where the focus was on LGBT refugees. The event, organised by local LGBT support centre Qmunity, saw activists and experts gather for a morning of discussion and celebration to mark the day. Another example comes from Woodstock, Ontario, where the local LGBT alliance organised a march

As part of the event activists recognised the important work being done in Canada on the subject of LGBT immigration and the issues facing many refugees across the world. During the event Andrea Reimer, of the Vancouver City Council, discussed her experience within both a political and personal context, including her experience raising a transgender child.

As well as recognising the important ongoing work seen within Canada organisers hoped that the event would help to foster cooperation among several groups to advocate for the empowerment and advancement of LGBT refugees and immigrants across the world.

The event cooincided with the Pride Legacy Awards, which was held to recognise the positive work being done by Canadian LGBT groups and activists to end homophobia, transphobia and all forms of sexual and gender discrimination.

Both events came shortly before the announcement of this year’s ‘Strut’ fundraiser, which is being organised by the Foundation of Hope. The event, which aims to raise funds for services aimed at LGBT refugees, will see activists and campaigners of all genders and backgrounds wear their best high-heels and glamorous shoes as part of a unique sponsored walk.

Support was also seen in national politics from a number of individuals. Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, issued an official statement marking IDAHOT 2015. His sentiment was echoed by a number of party members, as well as several politicians across the political spectrum.

Canada also helped to promote the day on a major international scale. Through the country’s embassies and foreign consulates the country supported IDAHOT events in countries across the world, on every continent. Diplomats in countries including Tunisia, Afghanistan, Bolivia, Morocco and many more, marked the day with actions ranging from statements of support to public events and workshops.

In Canada, 85 organisations co-signed a special May 17 open letter, calling on the government to affirm its support for LGBTI rights internationally, which included a 10 point plan for dealing with human rights abuses of LGBTI people around the world. Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird, responded with an official statement underscoring the strong commitment of the Canadian government to continue to press for universal human rights. National television station, CBC, covered these initiatives, as well as the raising of the rainbow flag at Toronto City Hall to mark the Day.

Foreign Affairs Minister responds to 85 LGBTI and human rights organisations

After 85 organisations co-signed an open letter, ahead of May 17, to Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird, he released a statement affirming the Canadian government’s support for respecting and protecting LGBT rights around the world. You can read the letter in full here.

Baird released a statement in honour of the IDAHOT 2014, on May 16, in which he said:

“This day is an opportunity to shed light on the significant human rights abuses to which sexual minorities are subjected worldwide.

“It is alarming that approximately 80 countries around the world criminalize homosexuality or have laws in place that have the intended effect of limiting the human rights of a targeted group. Canada has urged and will continue to urge these nations to review this regressive legislation.

“The criminalization of homosexuality is an incitement to intolerance, which breeds hate and, in turn, violence.

“Canada remains committed to standing up for the human rights of all individuals.”

Canadian television network CBC covered the campaign and Baird’s response in its evening news bulletin. They also mentioned Toronto City Council’s flying the rainbow flag for the IDAHOT. You can watch the bulletin here:

You can also read Canada HIV/AIDS Legal Network’s Press Release regarding the open letter campaign – here.

Toronto

Communities gathered for a major event in the city for the IDAHOT 2014 – a flag raising ceremony, with speeches from community leaders, outside Toronto City Hall, on May 16.

Although city Mayor Rob Ford did not attend, Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly attended and spoke at the event. He also announced that City Hall would be lit up in rainbow colours in recognition of the Day.

Toronto Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly, speaking at the rainbow flag raising at City Hall on May 16. Source: Toronto Sun

PFLAG President, Irene Miller, gave a powerful and emotional speech underscoring the significance of the flag-raising. In her speech, Miller also noted that in February 2014 – when the Sochi Olympics were being held, Toronto’s mayor, Rob Ford, refused for the flag to fly outside city hall. She also criticised Ford for sexist, racist and homophobic remarks he had made. You can watch her speech in full here:

Media coverage of the event was considerable (e.g. Toronto Sun, Globe and Mail, and City News).

The 519 Anti-Violence Program also hosted a community art event to mark this years’ IDAHOT, at the Church Street Community Centre. You can find out more here.

Vancouver

Various groups came together for a diverse series of events in Vancouver, Canada for the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia 2014. Communities gathered for a cultural event and panel discussion on LGBTIQ* refugees in Canada, as well as for ‘Gay & Grey’ – a conversation over breakfast about what it means to be LGBTQ, out, and aging. More info.

Quebec

As ever, the Quebec region was particularly active around the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, with special support from the regional May 17 campaign, by Fondation Émergence. This year, the chosen theme for actions around the Day was “Same-sex parenting I love my two moms, I love my two dads”.

You can find out more about the campaign in this press release, and by browsing their website.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

In Halifax, Nova Scotia, LGBTQI communities – and their friends and allies – came together for an IDAHOT 2014 Rally, in the city’s South Park & Spring Garden on May 14. The Rally was organised under the theme “Speak Up & Speak Out!” and featured the participation of Scott Jones (and the Don’t Be Afraid campaign), as well as guest speakers from various community groups: Kate Shewan (Trans Activist & NSRAP Vice-Chair), Jessica Durling (Trans Activist & King’s PRIDE Co-Chair), Pedram Niakan (A “Rainbow Refugee” to Halifax), Keith MacMillan (The Halifax Refugee Clinic). There were also performances by Max Jones and The Youth Project Queerios, whilst people could also get their photos taken in the “Don’t Be Afraid” photo booth! More info.

Communities “Speak Up and Speak Out!” at the Halifax Rally for the IDAHOT 2014. May 14, 2014. Source: Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project

Progressive voices of faith speak out in support of equality

The Right Rev. Gary Paterson, the first openly gay Moderator of the United Church of Canada wrote a popular and widely shared open letter to the LGBTQ community, stressing the existence of progressive voices of faith within Christian communities, and underscoring the need to support equal rights for LGBTQ people. You can read it here. He also spoke at a Vancouver event for IDAHOT 2014.

Canada gets top LGBT rights scorecard

On social media, many commented positively that Canada received top marks (5/5) on their LGBT rights scorecard, according to the widely shared Guardian newspaper infographic – a project developed in partnership with ILGA and All Out. More info.

Events to Engage LGBTIQ* Refugees in Canada

The IDAHOT day will be organized by several organizations. Rainbow Refugee is an organization founded in 2000, Rainbow Refugee Committee (RRC) is a Vancouver based community group that supports and advocates with people seeking refugee protection because of persecution based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status. Rainbow Refugee Committee engages in outreach, advocacy and public education on QLGBT/HIV+ refugee issues. RRC is member driven and all volunteer.
•    RRC also provides information to asylum seekers outside Canada
•    RRC is a sister organization of LEGIT: Canadian Immigration for same-sex partners
•    Other support groups for lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual &/or HIV+ asylum seekers and refugee claimants are beginning in Toronto, Montreal and other cities across Canada.

Rainbow Refugee is organizing an cultural event and panel discussion about LGBTIQ* refugees in Canada. The performance will be held reflecting refugee LGBTIQ person and his/her life during their process with Immigration Canada and societal acceptance. At the same time personal stories will be shared from refugees who are already accepted to stay and have status as Conventional Refugee or Protected persons.

Gay & Grey: A breakfast conversation on LGBTQ communities and aging

The International Day Against Homophobia (IDAH) Breakfast is hosted annually by QMUNITY, BC’s Queer Resource Centre. Presented by Vancity, IDAH brings together over 500 engaged citizens from government, industry, and the social profit sector for a morning of inspiring speakers and important conversations. All proceeds directly support QMUNITY’s programs and services: in 2013, raised over $45,000 of much-needed funds at the sold-out event.

In 2014 – the 10th anniversary of the breakfast and the 35th anniversary of QMUNITY – we lead public dialogue on Gay & Grey: a conversation over breakfast about what it means to be LGBTQ, out, and aging.

Anticipating another sold-out year, a limited number of early-bird tickets are now available at idah2014.eventbrite.ca.

QMUNITY is BC’s Queer Resource Centre. Its team of skilled professionals reaches over 35,000 people annually, enriching the lives of BC’s queer communities by delivering strong programs, education and training on queer issues, and advocacy on the issues that matter most in our communities.

@QMUNITY on twitter // facebook.com/qmunity

Event Poster:

OUTShine will be holding their First National GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) Summit in Toronto, during May 17 – 20. This will gather together young people and educators from across Canada with a focus on promoting safer and more inclusive schools for everyone, and especially lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) folks, with plenty of room for straight allies ! Organisers will also stage a rainbow flashmob event which connects with the Global Rainbow Flashmob on the first evening of the conference – Friday, May 17. For more details please see www.mygsa.org/outshine/

Montreal

Sunday May 19th – Célébration spécial pour la Journée internationale contre l’homophobie / Celebration for the day against homophobia. Eglise catholique Saint-Pierre-Apôtre/Chiesa Catholic St Peter the Apostle – 10h30/ore 10:30. At 10:30 am a special celebration for the International Day Against Homophobia with more than 60 singers of the choir gay Montréal and the choir gay Mélo’men de Paris. / Le dimanche 19 mai à 10h30, célébration spécial pour la Journée internationale contre l’homophobie avec plus de 60 choristes, grâce à l’aimable participation du Chœur Gai de Montréal et du Chœur gai Mélo ’men de Paris. For more info see http://www.gionata.org/

Nova Scotia

Brought to you by the Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project (NSRAP) : “Join Halifax’s LGBTQ* communities as we recognize May 17th, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHoT). Our 2013 theme is “Our Bodies, Our Health, Our Rights.” … This year’s rally will be held on the Thursday evening before IDAHoT – we know lots of people will be heading out of town for Victoria Day weekend. … Details, including presenters, will be added as they confirmed. For more details see the facebook event.

Ottowa

Dance Rainbow Flashmob tipped for the Canadian Parliament. . . watch this space !

Please note this page is select and ongoing. If your event is missing from this listing or requires updating please email us at contact@dayagainsthomophobia.org.

Thank you, the IDAHO Committee team