Canada’s unions are marking this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance by calling on the federal government to implement a ban on conversion therapy. Conversion therapy aims to change an individual’s sexual orientation or to change an individual’s gender identity. This harmful practice negatively impacts LGBTQ2SI people and reinforces myths and stereotypes. “Conversion therapy is a cruel and dangerous practice that…

Pride season is a time for communities to come together to celebrate, show solidarity and press for change. In the midst of this COVID-19 crisis, we have to acknowledge that this year’s Pride will look different, but the need for supportive, affirmative communities is greater than ever. As celebrations across the country are cancelled, rescheduled or shifted to digital platforms…

On this International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to support 2SLGBTQI organizations struggling with the impacts of the current crisis. 2SLGBTQI peoples are more vulnerable to discrimination, violence, harassment and stigma on the basis of sexuality and gender identity right now. The lockdown makes it more difficult to find support…

As the country mourns the loss of twenty-two lives in last week’s horrific mass shooting in Nova Scotia, Canada’s unions are once again calling for a National Action Plan on Violence Against Women and Girls. Although there is still much we do not know about this tragedy, now the deadliest massacre in Canadian history, it has come to light that…

In 2020, we are celebrating International Day of Pink – a day to raise awareness and combat homophobic and transphobic bullying and harassment – in the context of a global pandemic. While many us are making sure that we #stayathome, we still need to be aware of the threat of homophobic and transphobic violence that persists online, at home, and…

This year, on the International Transgender Day of Visibility, perhaps more than ever, it is important that allies celebrate trans lives loudly and clearly.  While we are all struggling to make sense of the current crisis, we have to consider the most marginalized among us, who are always facing threats to their safety and security that the rest of us are now…

Today at vigils in communities across the country, Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with trans people and their allies to remember the hundreds who are killed every year because of their gender identity or expression. This year, we mark the 20th anniversary of the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), an internationally recognized day to celebrate and honour the lives of…

As Pride events are held in communities across the country, Canada’s unions are celebrating the achievements of LGBTQ2SI activism from coast to coast, while committing to challenging the rise of racism and hate politics threatening human rights around the world. “Pride season is an important moment to come together and celebrate the victories and visibility of LGBTQ2SI activism in our…

On May 9, 2019, Canada’s Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor announced a new deferral policy for blood donations from men who have sex with men, effectively reducing the deferral time from one year to three months. This International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT), Canada’s unions are calling for an end to discriminatory policies which perpetuate homophobic and transphobic…