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The organization launches the 22nd International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, which this year is underscoring rollbacks in LGBTQ+ rights.
Montreal, April 30, 2024— Fondation Émergence will be marking its 22nd International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHT) on May 17. This year, the organization wants to send a strong message that, when LGBTQ+ people’s rights are rolled back, society as a whole moves backward.
Fondation Émergence wants to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ rights being rolled back around the world. The campaign seeks to highlight this issue while inviting the public to speak out against the discriminatory acts they see. “We often hear that there’s been progress when it comes to the rights of LGBTQ+ communities. While that’s true, it’s also undeniable that the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ hatred has become more apparent in every part of the world. From discriminatory public policies to an increase in hate crimes targeting our communities, we know that this backlash is real. It’s crucial, now more than ever, to speak out against these rollbacks and to continue raising awareness.” Laurent Breault, general manager,
Fondation Émergence Key Data
Although Canadians believe that mentalities and attitudes have improved in Canada (44%), hate speech has increased in recent years. In fact, 34% of respondents say that hate speech has increased over the past 3 years. This rolling back of rights can take many forms: discriminatory legislation, violence and harassment, disadvantageous public policies, or hate speech and misinformation that fuel prejudice and discrimination against LGBTQ+ communities.
Concrete Action
To mark the International Day, the Fondation is planning several activities, including a rally on May 17, as well as an LGBTQphobic agenda listing over 365 events that took place around the world in 2023. The numerous events are presented to provide a concrete picture of the increase in crimes, hatred and violence targeting LBGTQ+ communities. The Fondation encourages community allies to speak out against these rollbacks when they see them.
Society Moving Backward
These rollbacks have serious consequences, not only for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community but also for society as a whole. Although LGBTQ+ people represent around 1/10 of the population, 45% of people in Canada have LGBTQ+ relatives. Moreover, 53% of Canadians say that rolling back LGBTQ+ rights over the next 3 years would affect society as a whole. The International Day aims to raise awareness of the real consequences of lesbophobia, transphobia, homophobia and all LGBTQphobias as well as commemorate the day homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organization’s list of mental illnesses— May 17, 1990.
About Fondation Émergence
Fondation Émergence works to end homophobia and transphobia through a variety of outreach programs, including the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, which Fondation Émergence initiated and holds on May 17th; ProAlly, which advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace; Aging Gayfully, for the rights of LGBTQ+ seniors; Chosen Family, to raise awareness of the realities of LGBTQ+ caregivers; and Conversion Therapy, to raise awareness of conversion practices.
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