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…

November 20 is the Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR). Communities around the world hold vigils, rallies and other memorial events on this day to honor two spirit, trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people who have been murdered because of their gender identity. “Trans people face disproportionately high levels of violence and harassment. Ensuring respect and fair treatment for trans workers…

On August 28, 1971 demonstrators presented a manifesto entitled “We Demand” that outlined a series of demands for equal rights for gays and lesbians. This was the first public march of its kind on Parliament Hill. Summer is the time for Pride events and marches in Canada. But while these celebrations are now somewhat commonplace in many cities across the…

Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to make it easier for workers to report harassment and violence by implementing anti-reprisal measures, including whistleblower protection. This will make it safer for LGBTQ2SI workers to report harassment and violence in the workplace, without fear of reprisal, discrimination or stigma. “Violence and harassment should never be part of the job. It’s time…

Canada’s unions have a long history of celebrating diversity and challenging discrimination, harassment and bullying. On April 11, the International Day of Pink, people are encouraged to wear pink in their school, workplace or community as a show of solidarity with survivors of homophobic and transphobic bullying. “Harassment and violence are serious barriers to equality, particularly for LGBTQ2SI workers, who…