The Defense Team Pride Advisory Organization (DTPAO) invites all 14 Wing members to participate in recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia May 17, with a flag raising at 8 a.m. at the main gate to the wing.
This year’s international theme is “Together always: united in diversity.” At a time when hard-won advances for our 2SLGBTI+ communities around the globe are increasingly under threat, the power of solidarity, ally ship and community across identities, borders and movements has never been more necessary. It is a day to reflect on our attitudes towards others, to confront and overcome our prejudices. Sadly, violence towards 2SLGBTQI+ people has increased around the world since this time last year.
As the Defense Team strives to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, it’s very important to ensure all members have a strong sense of belonging.
A 1 p.m. screening of “The Fruit Machine” will be held at the Birchall Theatre, with a chance for members to discuss this very moving documentary afterwards. For those unfamiliar with “the Fruit Machine.” it’s the story of a dark time in Canadian history (1950s to mid-1990s), when the federal government actively sought out gay and lesbian members in order to purge them from the civil service, RCMP and the Canadian Forces. As this can be an emotional event, support services will be available on site.
Everyone – Defence Team members and families – is welcome to both events. If you have questions or are seeking more information about the DTPAO, send an email to +W14 Defence Team Pride Advisory Group (DTPAO), via the internal wing Splashpage.
Statement on the International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia
The statement, “That all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights,” appears in Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this document as a “common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations”. This happened in 1948, but it was not until 1990 that homosexuality was declassified as a mental disorder by WHO (World Health Organization).
It is still known more than one-third of all countries in the world criminalize same sex relationships and 2SLGBTQIA+ people face prejudice, discrimination, stigma, hostility and violence.
It is still a known fact transgender persons all around the world that identify themselves as members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ are ostracized, and trans persons of colour are those most at risk of victims of hate crimes and targets of systemic racism repression and racism.
We as a union must ask ourselves “WHY?” This is one of the biggest union issues, as it attacks to the core of our human rights. The time to address these fears is now, as everyone deserves the respect and dignity to live their lives within this world. We must ensure our members and ALL our members are afforded the same rights as their co-workers in the workplace, and the same rights as their neighbours. 2SLGBTQIA+ people should not be marginalized by fears and hatred and should live and work in their workplace and neighbourhoods safely without fear.
As your 2SLGBTQIA+ director on PSAC Atlantic Council, I join each and everyone to recognize the International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia. Please join me May 17 to celebrate our diversity and bringing attention to the fact 2SLGBTQIA+ rights are human rights. I feel, with strength in numbers, we can keep our communities safe.
With pride and solidarity,
Wayne Kelley,
PSAC Atlantic director for 2SLGBTQIA+ members
