An old adage indicates, “You can’t be progressive from a list of options.”
Today, May 17th, is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB).
The pflag Chapter of Renfrew County joins in the spirit of a national release, from which we excerpt.
“This year’s theme of “together always: united in diversity,” is an urgent reminder of the power of solidarity to push back against a rising tide of misinformation, hate speech, hate actions, and violence directed at the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Canada and around the world.”
“As a community of 2SLGBTQ+ people, family members, friends, and allies, pflag Canada chapters are deeply concerned with the erosion of … rights in the United States and a corresponding increase in hateful and harmful rhetoric and actions here in Canada.”
“Today and every day, pflag Canada chapters from coast to coast denounce those who attempt to demonize and marginalize 2SLGBTQ+ people. Further, we call upon community leaders, elected officials, and allies to do their part to protect the dignity and human rights of 2SLGBTQ+ people, and to recognize, affirm, and celebrate the rich diversity of gender identities, gender expressions and sexualities.”
pflag encourages allies to: Speak out against bigotry, misinformation and hate speech; Listen to and amplify the voices of 2SLGBTQ+ folks, family members, friends, and colleagues.
…the power of solidarity, diversity, and hope (can) bring about change… ending homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia… (is a) collective responsibility.
The pflag Canada chapter network offers peer support and resources for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, family members, friends, and allies.
Excerpted from pflag Canada National release
