Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, has released the following statement recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia:

“Today, May 17, is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. We recognize this day because homophobia, transphobia and biphobia have no place in our province and our society.

“And still, people in our province continue to face inequality and discrimination because of their sexuality or gender. We all must continue to call out this discrimination when we see it and support our 2SLGBTQIA+ neighbours, friends and family members.

“So many 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our communities bring diversity, strength and leadership to our province. While we tackle discrimination and remove barriers, let’s also celebrate the contributions of those who are making a difference.

“Our government will continue working to make our province more inclusive for everyone. That’s why we support sexual orientation and gender identity education in schools. Beginning as early as kindergarten, B.C.’s curriculum teaches our young people about demonstrating respectful behaviour with others.

“Through the Provincial Health Services Authority and Trans Care BC, we have brought gender-affirming surgeries to B.C. hospitals, providing care for people closer to home. We are committed to continuing to address gaps that transgender and non-binary people face in health care.

“And we have worked to remove outdated, gendered language from government regulations and laws, as well as improving the way we ask for gender or sex information on government forms through new gender and sex data standards, because all British Columbians have the right to be accurately represented and reflected in government information and services. This is in addition to implementing a gender X option for provincial identification and making it easier for people changing their gender on government ID.

“I’d like to extend my gratitude to all the community partners who work as advocates and champions every day, including QMUNITY, which has led the work to have this day officially proclaimed in B.C. once again.”

Learn More:

Link to the proclamation: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/proclamations/proclamations/IntlDayAgainstHomophobiaTransphobiaBiphobia2023

Learn about B.C.’s new Gender and Sex Data Standard: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023CITZ0011-000702