Families: defined colourfully
Every year OPSEU's Rainbow Alliance joins the world in commemorating May 17 as the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO). This day is dedicated to the empowerment of the LGBTTIQQ2S (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersex, queer, questioning, two-spirited) community and their allies. It also serves as a reminder to all individuals, on a global scale, to reflect on the violence and discrimination people continue to face because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Proposed in 2003 by Fondation Émergence, the purpose was to designate a special day to honour the social recognition of the homosexual and trans experience. To some degree, this also usually includes homophobia and transphobia.
This year's campaign centres around families and same-sex parenting. One of the goals is to demystify any stereotypes and prejudice that same-sex parents and/or children who grow up in same-sex parented families may encounter. Although there are many pressures to stay within the confined hetero-normative definition of this word, there is resistance and the idea around same-sex families is becoming more accepted.
OPSEU's Rainbow Alliance invites you to take a selfie (or a group picture) of yourself, your family or your team wearing tie-dye for The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, held on May 17 (yearly). We want to see how you define FAMILY. Pictures can be posted on its Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/groups/103248883103047/ or tweeted to @RAINBOWopseu.
For all you rebels reading this, feel free to skp the tie-dye and sport OPSEU gear, available via www.opseushop.com. Proceeds made on purchases from this site support the Live and Let Live Fund.
Finally, some suggested ways to end violence (and not entirely limited to queer people):
- fight discrimination on the Internet and in social media (think twice when you use the blue F [Facebook] or the blue bird [Twitter], even if you think it's funny, it might hurt someone);
- inform others of the impact that bullying and discrimination have on the health of their victims; and acknowledge that it may not be their intent;
- propose discrimination-free spaces, in your workplace, at your gym, in your home;
- challenge people to shift their attitudes, our brain is a muscle and it can use a good stretch once in a while;
- start or join workplace communities or join the Rainbow Alliance; and
- attend rallies and show your support as there is power in numbers!
Let's show the rest of the province that OPSEU members celebrate differences and want to live in a prejudice-free Ontario.
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