Posted: Wednesday, 15 June 2011

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) stands in solidarity with lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities during the 2011 Pride events. Although homophobic and transphobic discrimination and prejudice still persist, Pride season is a time to celebrate the many gains the LGBT community has made over the last three decades.

This year Pride celebrations are taking place from coast to coast to coast. Many communities will hold their first-ever pride events. Among these is Thunder Bay, where Ellen Chambers Picard helped her son Gabe create a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) for Thunder Bay Public High School in order to combat homophobia in the school. The family's courage and strong spirit inspired the city to hold their first Pride event. This family’s quest did not stop here - because of their strong spirit and the pride they have as an LGBT family, the city of Thunder Bay was inspired to hold their first Pride celebration! This is a great milestone for the LGBT community of Thunder Bay, and shows how courage can inspire solidarity.

The growth and success of the Pride movement over the last four decades demonstrates the power of diverse communities coming together. Ottawa's Capital Pride is celebrating its 25thanniversary, Toronto looks forward to hosting World Pride in 2014 and Fierté Montréal looks even further ahead with its theme: “3011: Odyssey of the Future/3011 : Odyssée du futur” . Vancouver plays host to the 2011 Outgames, where the CLC is proud to help sponsor the Outgames Human Rights Conference.

This summer marks the 40th anniversary of one of the largest demonstrations for Canada's gay liberation movement. On August 28th, 1971, gay activists, allies and community members marched on Parliament Hill to demand changes to the criminal code, equal rights for gays and lesbians and an end to discrimination. The legacy of this march is still present as we continue to work together to advocate for LGBT issues and in particular, trans rights.

Among these challenges is the struggle for basic trans human rights to ensure access to health care, employment and freedom from hate crimes. We are committed to working with our allies in the New Democratic Party (NDP) and Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere (EGALE) and the trans rights movement to pick up where retired MP Bill Siksay left off, to continue to push for an amendment to Canada's Human Rights legislation to include gender identity and expression.

We cannot forget that the LGBT community faces many barriers in the struggle for equality and justice. The Canadian Labour Congress, its affiliates, Federations of Labour and Labour Councils, will continue to challenge homophobia and transphobia in the workplace and in society.

We call on trade unionists to participate in Pride events in their communities, to stand up in solidarity with the LGBT workers, members and the community. And while we celebrate, let us not forget those around the world and in this country who are not able to participate in such joyful celebrations. As a movement, let us show that we will not stop fighting for LBGT rights, at home and internationally.