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LGBTQ+ rights setbacks
Montreal, April 30, 2024 – The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), organized by Fondation Émergence, will mark its 22nd edition on May 17. This year, the organization seeks to send a powerful message: when LGBTQ+ rights regress, all of society moves backward.
Fondation Émergence aims to draw attention to the global setbacks in LGBTQ+ rights. The campaign highlights these issues while encouraging people to speak out against discrimination whenever they witness it.
"We often hear that progress has been made in terms of LGBTQ+ rights. While that is true, it is also undeniable that the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ hate has become more evident worldwide. Whether through discriminatory public policies or an increase in hate crimes targeting our communities, it’s clear that this regression is real. Now more than ever, it is crucial to denounce these setbacks and continue our awareness-raising efforts."
— Laurent Breault, Executive Director of Fondation Émergence
Compelling statistics
While 44% of Canadians believe that attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people have improved in Canada, 34% say that hate speech has increased over the past three years.
LGBTQ+ rights setbacks can take various forms: discriminatory legislation, violence, harassment, restrictive public policies, hate speech, and misinformation that fuels prejudice and discrimination.
Concrete actions
To mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, Fondation Émergence has planned several activities, including a mobilization event on May 17 and the publication of an LGBTQphobic Agenda, listing over 365 discriminatory events that took place worldwide in 2023. This initiative illustrates the growing violence and hatred against LGBTQ+ communities.
The Foundation encourages allies to speak out whenever they witness discrimination or setbacks in LGBTQ+ rights.
A setback for society as a whole
These setbacks have serious consequences not only for LGBTQ+ individuals but for society as a whole. Although LGBTQ+ people represent around 1 in 10 individuals, 45% of Canadians have LGBTQ+ loved ones.
Additionally, 53% of Canadians believe that a decline in LGBTQ+ rights over the next three years would negatively affect society as a whole.
The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia serves as a reminder of the real consequences of lesbophobia, transphobia, homophobia, and all forms of LGBTQphobia.
It also commemorates the historic moment when homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organization’s list of mental disorders on May 17, 1990.
About Fondation Émergence
Fondation Émergence fights against homophobia and transphobia through various awareness programs, including:
- International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) – celebrated on May 17, an initiative launched by the Foundation.
- ProAllié – promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in workplaces.
- Pour que vieillir soit gai – advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ seniors.
- Famille choisie – raising awareness of LGBTQ+ caregiving realities.
- En finir avec les thérapies de conversion – educating the public about the dangers of conversion practices.
Through these initiatives, Fondation Émergence continues its mission to protect and advance LGBTQ+ rights worldwide.
