Local 1996-O Equity Committee and Executive recognizes LGBTQ Pride month and honours the LGBTQ Community’s progress while acknowledging the work that must still be done.

The rise of LGBTQ rights can be mainly attributed to the Stonewall Riots of 1969 that took place in New York and the “Operation Soap” bathhouse raids in which police raided LGBTQ friendly establishments within Toronto in the early 1980s.

Both of these events caused the LGBTQ community to fight back against police discrimination and served as a pivotal moment for the community. They are credited for the activism that would lead to the decriminalization of homosexuality and its declassification as a mental illness as well as giving rise to a movement that would allow the community to finally have a voice across North America to fight against injustice.

Pride Month which starts in June is meant to celebrate the LGBTQ community, which includes individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, and transgender as well as a wide array of other gender identities.

Local 1996-O stands with you.

 

In Solidarity

1996-O Equity Committee

1996-O Executive