May 17^th is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. The date of May 17^th was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. Today, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) recommits itself to fighting against the oppression, discrimination and harassment faced by the LGBTQ2+ community. 

This year’s theme is ‘BREAKING THE SILENCE’; to speak up, speak out and take up space, because the voices, stories and lived realities of the LGBTQ2+ communities matter!

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, non-binary and two-spirit people continue to face discrimination, violence and harassment at work, in the community and in their daily lives. This is exacerbated for members of the LGBTQ2+ from further marginalized communities such as black, racialized, immigrant, living with disabilities and Indigenous.  PSAC stands in solidarity with our LGBTQ2+ workers in creating workplaces that are free from homophobia, transphobia and biphobia and work towards policies and initiatives that address:

• Inequalities in access to life-saving drugs 
• The extra burden placed on trans people to travel and/or pay for gender affirming surgeries
• The discrimination against some members of the LGBTQ2+ community by continuing to put restrictions on blood and organ donation due to outdated stereotypes and stigma
• The lack of accessible gender inclusive washrooms

PSAC remains committed to:

• Fighting for the inclusion of HIV prevention medication and gender-affirming hormone therapies in extended health plans
• Advocating for gender inclusive washrooms in workplaces
• Providing education and raising awareness on being an ally to our LGBTQ2+ siblings (Take a look at our guide on Building Trans-Inclusive Workplaces)
• Advocating for the recognition and inclusion of the LGBTQ2+ community in the Employment Equity Act
• Bringing issues affecting LGBTQ2+ workers to the bargaining table

We all have a role to play to ensure LGBTQ2+ people feel safe and can participate fully as they are in society and in their workplaces. PSAC will continue to work towards breaking down barriers and making equity and equality a reality, because LGBTQ2+ rights are human rights!