There are 77 countries in the world today where it is a criminal offence to be gay. These countries punish women, men and children because of their sexuality and in seven countries the punishment is death.

The criminalization of homosexuality instigates widespread fear and shame, forcing people to hide their sexuality, often living in traditional partnerships and practicing in secret for fear of prosecution. Where people cannot live openly and disclose their sexuality the risk of HIV infection is often greatly enhanced as people are too afraid to access HIV prevention services for fear of repercussions or, as is the case in many countries, those services simply don’t exist.

On May 17, 1991, the World Health Organization officially removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses, ending over 100 years of homophobia in the medical field. The July 2006 international conference on LGBT rights in Montreal, which preceded the first World Outgames, recommended worldwide recognition of May 17 as a day to eliminate homophobia.

Today, May 17 is recognized by over 50 countries as the International Day Against Homophobia.

May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, provides an opportunity to make a powerful statement to demand improvements for the quality of life for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people around the world. The International Day Against Homophobia can be used to raise awareness of homophobic issues that are negatively impacting on people’s lives and to showcase success stories where a positive change has been achieved.

This year the campaign will highlight health issues. Gay, lesbian, transgender and transsexual people must receive health care free of discrimination and must feel safe and comfortable in consulting a healthcare professional. The International Day Against Homophobia 2008 is a time to question current practices in the health and social services field, and to put forward new approaches.

What can you do?

• attend May 17 events in your community;
• distribute material, including the CUPW trans poster, in your workplace or at your union meeting;
• speak out against homophobia and heterosexism;
• plan to attend your community Pride march this summer;
• write to your municipal board or town council and request the rainbow flag be raised and a motion passed to proclaim May 17 International Day Against Homophobia.

For more information on the International Day Against Homophobia and how you can get involved in events in your community and to download sample letters and motions see www.homophobiaday.org.

One day is not enough

One day to fight against homophobia/transphobia is not enough. We must continue to work to ensure that our collective agreements, union bylaws, policies and procedures eliminate discrimination and promote pride in our LGBT members. We must educate our members and ourselves and become more sensitive to LGBT co-workers. We must work together to build safe workplace and safe union environments.