IDAHOBIT: Show solidarity and combat 2SLGBTQI+ hate

May 15 2024

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) was created in 2004. It is celebrated annually on May 17 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people, and all of those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and will continue to work towards ending discrimination and injustice.

“NUPGE has been an outspoken supporter of banning conversion therapy in Canada. It’s not the responsibility of 2SLGBTQIA+ people to stop the hate and discrimination they endure,” said NUPGE’s President, Bert Blundon. “NUPGE is there as an ally to our 2SLGBTQIA+ members in their workplaces, and to 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Canada, by fighting for progressive legislation and supporting education initiatives.”

Hate and discrimination against 2SLGBTQIA+ workers continue to be a pervasive problem in Canada.

In partnership with Western University, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) conducted a survey that confirmed that 2SLGBTQIA+ respondents were particularly likely to be targeted by all forms of harassment and violence, including verbal and physical threats. This is most pronounced for harassment and violence (72%) and sexual harassment and violence (62%). 

The findings of the CLC survey are confirmed by a recent study from Egale of Two-Spirit, non-binary and transgender people’s (2SNBT) experiences in employment that revealed  2SNBT people were:

  • subjected to marked disadvantages and challenges when attempting to navigate the workforce;
  • experienced various forms of discrimination and harassment in their places of work;
  • left their jobs due to safety concerns and experiences of psychological harm;
  • experienced job loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in precarious labour.

Ending harassment and violence at work is a collective responsibility.

An injury to one, is an injury to all.  Bigotry and violence that threaten the fundamental human rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ people require a strong unified response rooted in solidarity from all workers, regardless of their gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.

Here are meaningful ways allies can show solidarity and combat 2SLGBTQI+ hate in the world of work:

  • Interrupt and stop anti-2SLGBTQIA+ jokes.
  • Normalize providing your pronouns, which can help non-binary and gender-diverse workers to assess their safety in sharing theirs.
  • Support union campaigns for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights.
  • Support workers who notify managers of violence and harassment on the job.
  • Get involved in 2SLGBTQIA+ workers’ issues, lobbying and community events.
  • Participate in learning opportunities provided by your union.