City of Courtenay acknowledges International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

Courtenay City Council’s choice to recognize this date signifies their acknowledgement that there is still disparity for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals within the community. Photo: Heather Watson / CHLY 101.7 FM

May 17th is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, and in a City of Courtenay Council Meeting on May 7th, Councillor Evan Jolicoeur made a statement on behalf of the council.

“I'd just like to take a moment on behalf of myself and of council to recognize that next Saturday, May 17th, is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. And this day is observed around the world to raise awareness of the discrimination both historic and ongoing, and the violence that continues to this day, faced by members of the 2slgbtqia+ community. And to affirm the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, to live free from fear, stigma, and exclusion.

As a community, we acknowledge the ongoing need to promote inclusion, safety, dignity, and respect for everyone. This includes listening, learning, and continuing to work to eliminate barriers and discrimination in all forms.

Courtenay is a community that values diversity, equity, and human rights, and we stand in solidarity with our  2slgbtqia+ residents, friends, family, colleagues, not just today, but every day.

And I just wanted to say, as a member of this community and as someone who has been deeply impacted by both historical and ongoing rhetoric that continues to undermine the rights of members of this community, that it is important for us to stand in solidarity against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.

And with that, let this day serve as a reminder that visibility and allyship does matter. Together we can make Courtenay a safe and welcoming place for all. Thank you.”

The statement Councillor Jolicoeur made reflects the City’s ambitions to foster a safe and welcoming community for residents of diverse genders and identities. This is notable in a time of increasing tensions regarding queer rights, on the island, in Canada, and internationally. 

In July of last year, Statistics Canada released data regarding police-reported hate crime by type of motivation, including “sexual orientation.” Federally, reported crimes of this category increased by 69% in 2023. This change isn’t only happening in less progressive provinces: in B.C. the increase was 43%. Across Canada since 2018, police-reported hate crimes targeting individuals based on their sexual orientation have increased by 362%. Data for 2024 is not yet publicly available.

A poll conducted by Ipsos for Global News in June of 2023 found that 48% of Canadians, or 47% of British Columbians, said they would be likely to speak up against homophobia and transphobia online. Other findings showed that women and young people were more likely to speak up.

The rise in hate crimes against queer people, and the lack of care or courage to defend against homophobia online, underlines the relevance and significance of a day like May 17th. 

The first International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia took place 20 years ago, in 2005, on the anniversary of May 17th 1990, when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases.

While recognized by the Government of Canada under this name, the date has had several over the years according to the webpage dedicated to the day. It began as the International Day Against Homophobia, before changing over time to include Transphobia, and later Biphobia. The most recent recognized acronym is IDAHOBIT, however in 2022 the date “grew to be referenced to as the Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination to specifically include those of us who are lesbian, queer and asexual.”

Courtenay City Council’s choice to recognize this date signifies their acknowledgement that there is still disparity for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals within the community.

Funding Note: This story was produced with funding support from the Local Journalism Initiative, administered by the Community Radio Fund of Canada. Reporting done in the Comox Valley is done in partnership with CVOX.