International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

Statement by Minister Bardish Chagger on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia and the LGBT Purge Report

Video length: 1:29 minutes
[Text on screen: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Striped heart displaying the colours of the Pride Flag. Soft piano music.]

[The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth speaking in front of a staircase and two glass doors.]

Hello everyone,
Happy International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.
This year’s theme for IDAHOTB in Canada is “For some, showing their colours isn’t a choice.”

It is a call to action for all of us to stand up for LGBTQ2 rights, and say “no more” to hate, discrimination, and violence.

Today, we recognize all those who courageously continue to fight for equity and inclusion as well as those who have already sacrificed so much to bring us as far as we have come.

Homophobia, transphobia, transmisogyny, biphobia, and all other forms of violence, including racism against Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities, have no place in Canada.

LGBTQ2 rights are human rights and our government is fully committed to protecting the human rights of everyone, everywhere.

LGBTQ2 people deserve to participate fully in every aspect of life and to be loved and accepted, just as they are.

Most importantly, everyone should feel safe and welcomed in our communities – going to the park, using public transit, or going to school.

Today, we celebrate that vision and everyone working to build a safer and consciously more inclusive future for Canada and for the world.

Keep well and safe.

[A striped heart displaying the colours of the Pride flag appears. The Canada wordmark appears, which has a waving Canadian flag above the last “a” in the word “Canada”. Music stops.]