Message from the Minister of Health – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia  and Biphobia – May 17, 2018

While Canada is a global leader in fighting for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit (LGBTQ2) people, there remains much work to be done to achieve full equality. Today, we mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, a time to recommit ourselves to fighting for an inclusive and accepting society for all.

The LGBTQ2 community continues to face serious discrimination. LGBTQ2 youth are at greater risk of bullying and victimization and experience higher rates of intimate partner violence. They also have a higher incidence of depression and substance use, and are more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual youth. LGBTQ2 Canadians are also disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI), with gay and bisexual men accounting for more than half of new HIV infections.

Stigma, homophobia, transphobia and biphobia as well as other forms of discrimination all have a significant effect on mental health, and can make prevention, testing, treatment and ongoing care and support for mental wellness and sexual health more difficult.

Our government is committed to working with the LGBTQ2 community and other levels of government to support mental wellness, fight stigma and reduce the impact of STBBI. One significant example is an investment of over $36 million over five years through the HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund to support projects that address STBBI.

Today, on this International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, I encourage all Canadians to consider how they fight discrimination and build a country and world where everyone feels accepted.

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health