On May 17, I encourage you to join me in showing your support for our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ community by marking the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia.
May 17 is a significant date for many around the world as on that day in 1990, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. It was a key milestone for the LGBTQ community around the world. In 2004, May 17 was officially established as the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia. Today, the day is observed in countries all over the world.
I am proud on May 17, as everyday, to stand side by side with our brothers and sisters from the LGBTQ community and to celebrate the great diversity of our union, our workplaces and our communities. While much progress has been made, we know there is still have a long way to go.
On this May 17, I encourage those of you on social media to post against homophobia and transphobia with the hashtag #may17IDAHOT or by uploading your union’s poster to your Facebook account.
A fairer and more equal society is possible. A world free of discrimination and prejudice is possible. But only if we work together.
In Solidarity,
Pearl Sawyer
President, UFCW Canada Local 1000A
