“The power of communities” is the 2025 theme of the annual observance on May 17 of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. The theme emphasizes what union members know well: solidarity is paramount in defending and advancing human rights that include 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and safety, and ending all forms of hate, discrimination, and oppression.
In our province and country, one of our shared values is that everyone deserves to be accepted, respected, and safe to be their authentic self. We can all take rainbow action to defend the shared values of safety and dignity for all 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Rainbow action can include advocating for policies that foster inclusion for trans and gender diverse students in schools, not exclusion, and confronting online disinformation and hate.
Scott Moe and the Sask. Party government are a threat to 2SLGBTQIA+ workers’ rights, human rights and economic security. Scott Moe launched an unprecedented attack on vulnerable youth in Saskatchewan schools, ultimately using the charter’s notwithstanding clause to suspend their charter rights and the charter rights of all education workers. Scott Moe and the Sask. Party have a long history of attacking queer and trans people.
Now, more than ever, all of us must speak up against hate and discrimination – and ensure everyone can live freely, love freely, and be who they are without fear.
Today, and every day, we are united in diversity.
Let’s celebrate gender and sexual diversities. CUPE Saskatchewan will be joining pride parades around the province as pride season approaches.
#IDAHOBIT #IDAHOBIT2025
RESOURCES:
- Learn how to fight homophobia and transphobia at the bargaining table with CUPE’s Bargaining 2SLGBTQI+ rights checklist and Bargaining Beyond the Binary guide.
- CUPE’s report on safer public services for 2SLGBTQI+ workers and older adults
- CUPE’s fact sheets on Allies on gender diversity and Pronouns
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