Today marks the start of Pride Season, a special time to celebrate the diversity and many contributions of LGBTQ2 communities across Canada, and to reflect on the road toward inclusion, equality, and appreciation.
In June 1969, the U.S. Stonewall riots launched the modern LGBTQ2 civil rights movement, which is historically why June also marks the beginning of Pride season. This month is a time to remember the trailblazing activists that risked everything to fight for equality.
Their journeys weren’t easy, and significant challenges remain today. LGBTQ2 people continue to face disparities, and these challenges are further amplified for people with intersecting lived experiences, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized people.
New commitments through Budget 2022, including $100 million over five years to support the implementation of the forthcoming Federal LGBTQ2 Action Plan, will build on this progress. The launch of the Action Plan, expected later this year, will promote LGBTQ2 equality, protect LGBTQ2 rights, and seek to address longstanding discrimination against LGBTQ2 communities.
Later today, I will join in raising the Progress Pride Flag on Parliament Hill as a reminder that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression has no place in our country.
Enjoy the celebrations, and Happy Pride everyone!
