May 17 is recognized as the “International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia” – a day of action, awareness, and affirmation of the fundamental rights of 2-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and intersex (2SLGBTQI+) people.
For decades, Liberal and Conservative governments have failed to address inequities and structural barriers for 2SLGBTQI+ communities. 2SLGBTQI+ people are disproportionately impacted by poverty, violence, and systemic oppression. Barriers to accessing services like health care, employment, economic opportunities, seniors care, and justice are still a serious problem here in Ontario.
We need a government that will remove barriers to services and programs 2SLGBTQI+ people need and promote systems of safety and inclusiveness.
It’s time for our political parties to act with the best interests of 2SLGBTQI+ people in mind.
That’s why, on this International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia we are demanding better from our government!
We are calling on all political parties to commit to:
- Create a Provincial 2SLGBTQI+ Secretariat and Provincial 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan
- Create a $25M Annual Funding Program for 2SLGBTQI+ Services and work with 2SLGBTQI+ communities to remove barriers to the services and programs people need
- Adopt a methodology of safety and inclusiveness in all government planning and programs
- Make medications required to treat and prevent HIV, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), accessible and free
- Expand coverage of and access to Gender Affirming Healthcare, including full coverage of the cost of all transition drugs and medications
- Ensure 2SLGBTQI+ people have access to long-term care that is fully affirming and inclusive
- Increase funding to 2SLGBTQI+ positive shelters and expanding spaces and services for 2SLGBTQI+ youth and adults
We demand justice, equity, and fair treatment of all people no matter what their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression are. We demand better…for all of us!
#BetterForAllOfUs #IDAHOTB
