This is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia, and Transphobia. “At the Heart of Democracy” is the theme chosen by the global IDAHOBIT Advisory Committee. It reminds us that equity and justice for all are fundamental to the health of democracy.
Too many states around the world still criminalise or repress gender and sexual diversity. Excluding and oppressing any group hinders not only those individuals, but also the flourishing of the society.
More about the background and theme of IDAHOBIT: IDAHOBIT2026: “At the heart of democracy” – IDAHOBIT
At the same time, the reality for 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians is sobering. Hate crimes have more than doubled since 2018. In December 2024, Égale Canada released a report on rising levels of hate speech and violence against 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
The rise in crimes related to gender identity and gender expression is particularly rapid. The report draws the connection between this and the rise in online hate. The so-called “culture wars” bring about real harm to real people. The victims, also, are usually individuals who are already marginalized.
Stand Together
Pride season across the country will start soon. It’s essential that we stand together against hate in all its forms. Our strength as a union depends on everybody being included, without division or exception.
