May 17, 2022 at 2:40 PM
Unifor marks the 2022 International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) with solidarity for people of all sexual and gender diversities. Unifor remains resolved to continue the fight against homophobia and transphobia through social change and the fight for human rights for all.
The union celebrates this IDAHOTB as a year of mixed progress. Since May of 2021, the federal government announced a pathway to the end of the
identity-based screening of Canadian Blood Services’ blood ban, and passed a
federal law banning the dangerous practice of conversion therapy. These are important, and long-fought victories for activists and community members.
Conversion therapy is a dangerous, unfounded practice that often involves minors' abuse and leads to lifetime trauma. The basic assumption that a person's sexual orientation, gender identity or expression is something to be altered or corrected, threatens LGBTQ workers' dignity and well being. This runs against the union's position on supporting the rights of all workers.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia and Pride itself, are beginning to once again change in 2022.
Many local unions will once again participate in events that join community members together this summer. Workers’ participation in pride may also feel like more of a protest this year.
While legal protections remain and are expanded in Canada,
other rights are being eroded in the United States and here at home. The social fight for justice for all queer and trans people needs to be pursued with even more vigour in our workplaces, and at the ballot box.