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May 17: International Day Against Homophobia
May 17, 2010
Family Service Toronto celebrates and supports diversity in all its shades on May 17th, the International Day Against Homophobia. It is key to remember that homophobia clouds and heavies the spirits of all people regardless of sexual orientation; homophobia is indiscriminate in its discrimination.
The International Day Against Homophobia was proposed by Foundation Émergence and adopted in 2006 at the International Conference on LGBT Community Human Rights held in Montreal in July 26-29, just days prior to the first World Outgames. From this conference came the Declaration of Montreal, which recommended acknowledging May 17 of each year as the International Day Against Homophobia.
The date was chosen for its value to the LGBTQ community worldwide. It was on May 17, 1990 that the General Health Assembly of the World Health Organization approved the 10th Review of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. Significant to this version was the amendment that sexual orientation is not considered a disorder in and of itself, whereas previous reviews of the document listed homosexuality as a “sexual disorder.”
In celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia, Family Service Toronto will display event posters and provide informational material—themed this year by the issue of Homophobia in the Sports World—in the main reception area of the 355 Church Street office.
For more information about the event and related activities, visit: www.homophobiaday.org
