Qmunity presents International Day Against Homophobia in Vancouver
May 17th marks the official International Day Against Homophobia. The event, conceived in Canada, is set to become a vital day of importance for many nations including Russia, France, the UK, the US and Brazil.
In Vancouver, the event is being organized by Qmunity, B.C.'s queer resource centre. The organization's 7th annual awareness event is happening at The Floata Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown (400-180 Keefer Street) from 8 - 10am.
Tickets are still available to purchase until 9 p.m. on May 16th and is a great chance to meet all the movers and shakers in Vancouver's queer community.
The anti-homophobia initiative was spearheaded by Quebec-based Fondation Émergence in 2003, when the group set June 4 as a “National Day Against Homophobia”. With the help of its partners, Fondation Émergence then strove to have this annual day recognized on a national level.
The next step was to steer the event to the international level. This effort was accomplished with the involvement of a number of countries that worked to spread the idea, which became known as the World Day Against Homophobia or the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). The date was changed to May 17th to commemorate the day that the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases.
The main goals of IDAHO are simple: inclusion, education, ending discrimination, and unification of LGBT organizations around the world with the same ideals. People and communities are encouraged to put on their own events. Classrooms, workplaces, trade unions, offices, and of course homes are are all places where IDAHO can happen.
It's a wonderful reason to talk about homophobia and to break down old walls that still exist. It's also a great day to come out, if for some odd reason you haven't done that yet!
For tickets and more information about this even, click this link.
So what are you doing to mark May 17th? Let us here at The Vancouver Observer know, and we will post it on our social networks ... even if it's just coming out to a friend or co-worker, IDAHO is an important day to mark. Stand up and be heard.
(1) Comments
Today is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).
In every part of the world, men and women are persecuted and attacked because of who they are or whom they love. Homophobia, transphobia and the brutal hostility associated with them are often rooted in a lack of understanding of what it actually means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). So to combat this terrible scourge and break the cycle of fear and violence, we must work together to improve education and support those who stand up against laws that criminalize love and promote hate. As we mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia this May 17, let us resolve to redouble our efforts.
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am proud to reaffirm our support for LGBT communities at home and abroad, and to call for an end to discrimination and mistreatment of LGBT persons wherever it occurs. Whether by supporting LGBT advocates marching in Belgrade, leading the effort at the United Nations to affirm the human rights of LGBT persons, or condemning a vile law under consideration in Uganda, we are committed to our friends and allies in every region of the world who are fighting for equality and justice. These are not Western concepts; these are universal human rights.
Despite these gains and hard work, there is more to do to turn the tide of inequality and discrimination against the LGBT community. If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, know that the United States stands with you and we are unwavering in our commitment to ending this cycle of hate.
Also, UK Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne recorded a video about the British government's support for the day's message.
Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP...