AMC Observes International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
May 17, 2022
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
alexpapineau
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) issues this statement today to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. Conceived in 2004 and observed yearly on May 17, this day celebrates gender and sexual diversity and condemns the stigma, violence, and discrimination that 2SLGBTQ+ continue to experience.
Acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean states, “AMC recognizes our ongoing responsibility to create accepting and welcoming communities that respect and value all lives and identities. Further, we recognize the immeasurable contributions that 2SLGBTQ+ citizens of our First Nations have made and continue to make in the arts, sports, sciences, and every other aspect of life.”
While communities and organizations across our Nations have taken steps to improve equality measures, 2SLGBTQ+ people continue to face stigma, discrimination, hostility, and violence. And in many nations across the world, 2SLGBTQ+ are denied civil and human rights, access to essential health care, and a right to bodily autonomy when forced to undergo medical treatments.
This year’s theme, “Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights,” takes a much-needed look at bodily autonomy and how sacred it is, particularly for those in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, trans, and intersex people must all have the freedom to live their sexualities and express their gender(s) freely, without dictation or judgement.
“On this day, let us be reminded that homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia have no place in our society,” concludes Acting Grand Chief McLean. “Instead, we must work together to end harassment, discrimination, and violence in all their forms. We must also work to become better allies by taking the time to learn about 2SLGBTQ+ issues and working towards creating safe and welcoming spaces for marginalised and oppressed individuals.”