HEU recognizes International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia

Since 2005, HEU’s Pink Triangle Standing Committee has recognized the International Day Against Homophobia – May 17 – as part of its member and community outreach.

May 17 is an opportunity for us to draw attention to the harmful impact of homophobia, and to recognize our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) sisters and brothers in our workplaces.

The theme of this year’s campaign Love Makes a Family – is aimed at raising awareness of the various types of families who live in our communities, celebrate our diversity, and call for equality.

Sadly, sexual orientation and gender expression are still punishable by imprisonment in more than 70 countries and by death in a dozen more (or states within those nations).

As a social justice union, HEU’s been a pioneer in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, same-sex spousal benefits, and employment equality – and has negotiated anti-discrimination language in our collective agreements.

At HEU’s 1994 convention, four equity caucuses were established, including the Lesbian and Gay Men Standing Committee (now the Pink Triangle Standing Committee), to recognize the diversity of our membership, advance and protect the rights of equity-seeking workers, and advocate against discrimination based on gender, race, ethnic background, disability or sexual orientation.

HEU is once again sponsoring the 13th Annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia Breakfast – hosted by Qmunity and Vancity – on Friday, May 19 in Vancouver.

Hosted by Roundhouse Radio’s Janice Ungaro and Cory Ashworth, this year’s theme is Stories of Us. The keynote speaker is author Hiromi Goto.

For more information, visit the official IDAHO website.