The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia takes place around the world on May 17. This day emphasizes that homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia are still the reality in the daily lives of Two-Spirit, Trans, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Queer people in our communities.
This years theme is Alliances for Solidarity. Since the launch of the LGBT2SQ+ movement at Stonewall Riots, some groups, in particular People of Colour (POC) and Trans POC, have been pushed to the side. This is despite key roles of people like Marcia P Harding and Sylvia Rivera at Stonewall and the grassroots organizing that followed. We recommend learning more about this history of QPOC folks through documentaries such as Paris is Burning and The Death and Life of Marsha P Johnson. Both are available on Netflix. Paris is Burning may also be found on YouTube. Through Alliances for Solidarity, it’s time to return the movement to it’s roots by fighting for the rights of all, not just some.
This means centering the experiences and needs of POC. In Manitoba, groups such as Like That and QPOC Winnipeg are leading the way. Support these organizations, and listen to their experiences. Sometimes this means doing the hard work of reflecting on our own behaviours. It’s natural to react to being challenged with defensiveness. Work towards being an ally, by letting these defensive feelings pass and question where they come from in the first place.
In the words of Marsha P Johnson, “No Pride For Some of Us Without Liberation For All of Us“